Prof.in: Monica Bonvicini
(Guest Prof.in 2017/2018: Suza Husse)
Universität der Künste
Raum 91, 92, 95a
Hardenbergstraße 33, 10623 Berlin
About
Monica Bonvicini is pleased to take over the professorship of the sculpture class in Universität der Künste Berlin (UdK), previously directed by Tony Cragg and other renowned artists. Bonvicini, who has been leading study programmes and teaching in various schools, the most recently in Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien, envisions the UdK sculpture class a perpetual exchange between the enrolled students and artists, architects and professionals from other fields. As such, she has launched first interdisciplinary collaborations that gave the base to the study programme in 2017/18, and which will be developed during Bonvicini’s years in the University.
The class begins with an examination of the crossroad between Minimalism and Conceptual Art, two movements that keep resonating in many research-based art practices today. Considering the discursive legacy of these movements and Rosalind Krauss’ theoretical work, the sculpture as the study subject is understood in an expanded field, and thus takes different medium forms, including multimedia and language. A special attention is paid to context, site, and material and immaterial architectures, in which art is produced, presented and distributed. Finally, critical, feminist, queer and political art practices constitute a big part of Bonvicini’s class curriculum.
Students are encouraged to research and practice the methods of interdisciplinary research, especially with a focus on social and political issues. Seminars and other teaching undertakings delve into the topics of contemporary conditions of economy, society, and politics, construction and production of identity and subject, sexuality, gender and gender roles, disobedience and resistance. The overall programme aims to stimulate critical thinking and build up critically-informed positioning to arts and to artistic practice. Throughout the time in the class, the students will be encouraged to develop collaborations with their colleagues and with members of other faculties of UdK.
FAQ
How? / What? / Who? / Joining? / Evaluation
How?
The core of our class meetings is to elaborately discuss student’s works. This requires attendance. If you for once can’t make it, you are required to notify it via email or phone. The active participation is the basis of your evaluation.
What?
There are no predetermined exercises or topics you are confined to. For more general information please read this description on the web page of the UdK.
Who?
At least one “1-to-1-talk" per semester with Monica Bonvicini is mandatory. Each talk is 45 minutes long. This opportunity is precious, therefore it is recommended to: be prepared, think what you want to talk about, show your works, in the studio or in print or digital media. Again, please notify if you cannot make it!
Joining?
If you consider joining our class, please send us an E-mail with the purpose of your request, i.e. 1. the reason for your plans (guest student/changing the class/changing the university or other), 2. your interest in our class, 3. an introduction into the topics and practices you're interested in your work and 4., your portfolio with at least three significant works and their descriptions (PDF) attached.
If you just want to drop by an informal class assembly let us know beforehand via mail.
If you want to change the studio and move to a different class, please let us know in advance via mail or during a talk.
Application as Transfer Student
If you're planning to change the university from another art school to UdK-Berlin / our class you will need a confirmation from Monica Bonvicini in advance to take part in the online application process (yearly: 5.2.-5.3. only for winter semester; further information here “transfer students”). Therefore please apply until 15th of January by sending your portfolio, CV and statement of interest via mail.
Application as Guest Student
If you are interested in attending our class for one semester as a guest student (that means: joining our formal and informal class meetings; depending on capacities as well joining i.e. projects and class exhibitions; important: you are not eligible for having a studio space, neither can you use the workshops; as well a 1-on-1 with Monica Bonvicini is not guaranteed), please send your portfolio, CV and statement of interest via mail until 15th of January. (application for summer semester), 15th of August (application for winter semester).
Evaluation
At the end of each semester you must obtain a signature from Monica Bonvicini in order to confirm your attendance. This is mandatory.