Engaged (urban) sketching Weimar

Based on and critically developing “engaged art,” such as that of the 1960s, drawing can be understood as a practice that not only depicts spatial and social contexts, but also actively questions them. Starting from close observation, we will sketch specific locations in Weimar's urban space and interiors, thereby refining and changing our personal perceptions by revealing potential conflicts and exposing existing power relations through drawing. We observe everyday situations in which social spaces arise between different groups of people. These can be communal activities of care, nursing, value creation, or protest.

Similar to a reportage, we visually recount the interactions and behaviors of people in specific situations or events. The aim of the reportage is not only creative—it is a form of drawn journalism that serves as a record of topics and motifs on site. The subject of a reportage is often political, but does not have to be. You can capture interactions in any environment where something worth recording is happening. There are no mistakes, only personal commitment and your own individual style with different stylistic devices. The choice of suitable analog tools such as pencil, ink pen, marker, chalk, brush, and sketchbook, or digital tools such as a tablet, aims at graphic and colorful expression that can add tension, contrast, and emphasis to spontaneous drawing.

After a theoretical and practical introduction, we sketch spatial situations, buildings, people, and activities that we encounter in Weimar. We get to know Weimar from different angles, with numerous details and visual stories.

Each exercise unit is guided by task sheets and commented on if there are any questions. At the end of the course, the personal A4 sketchbook is handed in and selected works are digitized. Regular attendance is required for successful completion.

Sabine Zierold