Fundamentals of three-dimensional design
The basics of three-dimensional design are taught in the Bachelor's degree course. Students learn the perception of sculptural space through the three-dimensional study of forms and the drawing of volumes. They analyze forms and design principles such as subtraction and addition, fullness and emptiness and, above all, the formal and aesthetic value of "negative space". Various basic elements and processes are taught, as well as modeling and ceramics, casting in plaster, mold making and casting techniques.
Sculpture and three-dimensionality in context
The focus is on the conceptual result: it combines applied methods and procedures with fundamental questions of form-finding - for example, dimension and material, abstract meaning and the interdisciplinary power of artistic expression. These levels come together in a universal language that mediates between art and object, between artifact and design, between abstraction and conceptual analysis. The teaching accompanies the students in discovering and developing their own artistic path. Theoretical texts based on the students' individual interests deepen their understanding of artistic practice and its mediation. In addition to an examination of classical and historical visual languages, the course also covers current positions in sculpture. This includes various media and methods as well as individual and collective project work, participatory processes and relational art forms.
Current and previous projects
Offizin artist's book project
The Offizin Künstlerbuch project aims to provide students with knowledge of design techniques and give them an insight into the development of an object from brainstorming to practical implementation. In doing so, they should deal with the different work phases: the creative part, the tools available to realize the idea, the actual production of the object as a prototype and possibly for series production. In addition, the project opens up the possibility of realizing complex and conceptual works, working experimentally with materials and non-verbal languages and using various methods from collage to graphic and three-dimensional design to interdisciplinary approaches. The resulting artist's books are then published and archived in collaboration with the faculty library, for example here.
Restoration
In the area of sculpture, courses are offered on the technology of conservation and restoration of sculptures, which were carried out on objects from the collection of antique plaster casts of the former Hochschule für Gestaltung. In addition, interdisciplinary seminars were held in which artistic positions were explored in the context of conservation and restoration. The central focus of the teaching was on practical work and reflecting on one's own work, which was developed and discussed in a dialog between teachers and students.
Exhibitions and public events
Through collaborations with private and public partners, students gain experience in project planning and develop strategies for their future artistic practice. Selected projects and exhibitions from the Sculpture course are shown here, including the Interdisciplinary Dialogues, a format for collaboration between different disciplines.
Exhibition with sculpture works by students (Photo: Petra Jaschke)
Prof. Vito Pace
Sculpture
Room G1.006
Holzgartenstr. 36
75175 Pforzheim
Phone +49 7231 28-6734
Office hours: Wednesdays by appointment