Digital courses instead of colloquiums in the studio

Alanus University offers virtual seminars for fine arts students

The courses in the Fine Arts bachelor’s degree programs with a focus on painting and sculpture at Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences have also changed significantly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The studio spaces for painters and sculptors are closed, and colloquiums cannot take place. “An artist has only limited possibilities without a studio. So the first question is: What is actually still possible now? – Definitely not some things,” says Paul Jonas Petry. The professor of sculpture is now placing the focus on digital, dialogue-oriented projects, on the world of graphics and media representation. In addition, students can produce sketches and work photographically. Simon Halfmeyer, lecturer in painting, also emphasizes: “It is about learning flexibility, dealing with the current situation, and still continuing to work artistically within the framework of the degree program.”

Within a very short time, the lecturers shifted their courses and supervision into the digital world. “It is important to us not to lose contact with the students,” says Petry. He also knows that this situation puts communication skills to the test, because students are now more on their own. That is why he is conducting many one-on-one conversations. Halfmeyer has found that students adapt to the new situation with varying degrees of success. “In any case, I consider the current situation to be an exciting and instructive challenge for our students. Much of it can be applied to other adversities that may arise later after graduation,” says the lecturer.

Virtual teaching presents artists with challenges. “The colloquium is always an exciting group-dynamic process as well; we discuss works and processes, and that simply works better in a real space with full body language,” says lecturer Halfmeyer. He also talks with first-year students about choosing the right material and how to use it. In this case as well, direct access is particularly important.
 
Petry points to another challenge for aspiring artists. “Students can engage artistically with the pandemic and the forecasts, giving free rein to their artistic imagination and powers of representation. It is a different kind of intensity that we are experiencing, one that is not part of everyday life,” says the professor. Petry is pleased that students also understand the situation as an artistic challenge and address the themes of this time, because digital projects open up entirely new horizons. “Exciting projects are emerging right now,” says the sculptor with enthusiasm.