WORKSHOP
What is contemporary art? How do exhibitions arise? Who sets up the artworks? What did the artist do previously? How does meaning arise? Does art require skill? What role do the artist, curator, and team that set up the exhibition play? Who is Duchamp? What is concept art? What is offered to visitors? What is the material of art? And why is it art?
With the beginning of the new exhibition period the team of the Kunsthalle Fridericianum looks forward to presenting you with new exhibitions and education formats. Our offer ranges from one-hour guided tours of the Kunsthalle Fridericianum and practical and theoretical workshops lasting several hours, to long-term cooperation. We offer workshops tailored to your wishes and guided tours devoted to specific topics.
The members of our team of educators have different approaches to contemporary art, detailed background knowledge, and extensive experience with different media and techniques. Our educational work is geared to people of all ages and social backgrounds. It is important for us to enable people to approach exhibitions in new ways, to promote new forms of interaction, and to question the relevance of art in society again and again.
What is imparted?
Talks about contemporary art and its meaning: We do not assume that there is one “right” interpretation of an artwork. Instead, our aim is to foster an understanding of artists’ aesthetic strategies and place them in an art-historical context. Starting with the artworks’ materiality and people’s perception of them, we embark on an in-depth investigation of the works, addressing any questions that may arise. What counts is the development of distinct opinions about the artworks and a desire for intellectual exchange.
Creative approaches to art: The Fridericianum’s Zwehren Tower is a place where people can withdraw from the bustle of the exhibition room. In this bright studio, visitors can discuss issues, rest, or be creative. We offer classical techniques of drawing and collage-making, as well as performative formats and multimedia approaches, e.g. the creation of audio contributions or film clips in workshops. Visitors can understand certain aspects of an artwork better if they learn how to apply the techniques the artist used. Being creative with materials offers people the possibility of expressing themselves non-verbally and promotes creative thinking and understanding.
The role of art institutions in society: Art can also deal with unpleasant topics, including violence, surveillance, death, exploitation, racism, and suppression. We have a look at artistic comments on societal conditions. What is the relationship between art, politics, and the individual? What possibilities arise from dealing with artistic positions? What does art say about the important issues of our time?
Connection between exhibitions and their genesis and material: Exhibitions often require months of preparation by a team. Very few international artists work alone and reclusively in their studios; even concept artists draw up comprehensive plans that are implemented by others. We offer a look behind the scenes, and talk about how decisions are made and who wields the drill or hammer.
Promoting social competence and discussion culture: Peaceful communication and respect for others can be fostered particularly in long-term cooperative ventures. The Kunsthalle offers a stimulating environment and poses exciting questions. The art educators have substantial team and project experience, which they contribute to workshops. In order to ensure a good discussion climate, the size of the group is limited to 15 people.
Looking outside the box: With changing exhibitions the Kunsthalle Fridericianum offers insight into international contemporary art discourse. Be it installation, concept art, performance, film: Art is shown here that is important in Zurich, London, and Berlin. At the same time we keep in mind aspects of special interest to people in Kassel and the surrounding area. The Kunsthalle engages in an exchange with the region by means of intensive cooperation with local institutions and educational providers.
