Art is a space of the imagination that doesn't follow any fixed rules. In its perpetual openness, it is a space in which images and objects come into being – everything that can be imagined.
In his teaching, Prof. Björn Dahlem regards artistic practice not merely as a physical activity, but above all as a process of consciousness that uncovers artistic and thematic significance and reveals appropriate artistic forms for this process.
This act of imagining and visualising can only occur through experimentation and practical work. Throughout the process, students embark on an individual quest to discover their own personal themes and the forms of expression that suit them best. There are no set themes. Common media used in the programme include sculpture, objects, installations, drawing, text, performance, painting, photography, video, print, social media and their precise staging within a space. In practice, the programme does not differ from studying art in an artist’s studio.
The results of the students’ individual artistic work are discussed in regular one-to-one sessions with the professor and teaching staff, as well as during group meetings and guest critiques. The basis for this is always free, process-oriented work on their own themes, content and approaches.
Engagement with the contemporary art scene and finding one’s own place within contemporary art plays an essential role in this process and is supported by guest lectures and studio visits by external experts.
In addition, there are regular exhibitions within the project. The themes and formats are open-ended and are developed by the students themselves. These are complemented by excursions and visits to exhibitions.