Willem de Kooning Academy

WDKA X DUTCH SUSTAINABLE FASHION WEEK

For the 11th consecutive year, Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week (DSFW) focuses on the future of fashion, and this year Rotterdam is one of the main venues. Taking place from October 9 to 13, DSFW showcases a more sustainable and innovative side of the Dutch fashion industry, with contributions from local designers, artists, and organisations. 

DSFW Rotterdam will feature a broad array of initiatives, ranging from high-end fashion design to creative solutions for managing textile waste. The goal is to highlight the importance of sustainable fashion and showcase the local talent contributing to this movement.

WORKSHOP | REUSE AND REDESIGN WITH FELTING - WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 9, 2024 

During DSFW Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA) will offer a hands-on two-hour workshop at our Fabric Station titled “Reuse and Redesign with Felting.” This workshop will introduce participants to methods for reusing and redesigning clothing, using the traditional textile craft of needle felting in combination with new technologies.

Participants will learn about the techniques involved in needle felting, as well as how to operate innovative tools such as the felt loom and fabric shredder. The aim of the workshop is to experiment with transforming post-consumer and post-industrial fabric waste into new materials, helping to reduce textile waste in the fashion industry.

Visit the LINK IN BIO for more information and how to register for one of the two workshops. 

 
 

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MEET THE TUTOR | Britt Möricke

From a young age, Britt Möricke was captivated by music, Icelandic horses, and the beauty of letters. After starting her career on a horse farm and studying saxophone, it was typography that eventually stole her heart. Her passion led her to pursue type design and freelance work before finding her calling as a tutor at the Willem de Kooning Academy. With over 35 years of experience, she continues to explore the world of typography and inspire her students to discover their own creative paths. Read the full interview on our website: https://www.wdka.nl/stories/16840

The new academic year at the academy is off to a great start! The new animation class brought their creativity outdoors with a vibrant chalk drawing activity at Museumpark. The street in front of the Depot Boijmans van Beuningen was transformed with playful, colorful characters. Swipe to see some of their creations! 🖍 How is your first week going?

GRADUATION SHOW | Recap day 3 

Thanks to everyone who visited the Graduation Show on Friday! On Friday, visitors enjoyed the exhibition, one table talk, beautiful items from the store and Audiovisual design had its screening day at KINO

Swipe for a photo recap by Hyewon Jung (photo 1-6) and .hofker (7-10) leave a comment if you want to be tagged! 

Today, on the last day of the Graduation Show, you can visit the Show from 12.00 to 21.00 hrs. You are very welcome to join us for the Table Talk “embracing the creative process”, wander around the exhibition, shop till you drop in our store and enjoy the last day of our Film Festival at Kino. Get your free tickets through the link in bio. KINO will be open from 12.00 till 23.00 hrs 

WdKA Graduation Show | July 3 - 6, 2024 
Saturday July 6 | 12.00 – 21.00 hrs. 
Wijnhaven 61 and Blaak 10 Rotterdam 

KINO | Film festival | July 4 - 6, 2024 
Saterday July 6, 2024 | 12.00 - 23.00 hrs. 
Gouvernestraat 129-133, Rotterdam

GRADUATION SHOW | Recap day 2

Yesterday was a day of table talks by Leisure & Events Management and photography students with their work on ‘embracing the creative process’, and of course a huge exhibition throughout the building. At , the Film Festival started with several Shorts and Animations by graduating students.

Swipe to see some pictures.

Join the Audiovisual Design screenings today at KINO. Check out the programme and timetable, link in bio!

Today the Graduation Show will be open for visitors from 12.00 to 21:00 hrs.
Stop by and see all the wonderful projects our graduate students have been working on!

You can find the timetable in our highlights or on the website.

Spotted your work? Comment for a tag!

WdKA Graduation Show | July 3 - 6, 2024
Wednesday July 3, | 16.00 – 22.00 hrs.
From Thursday to Saturday July 4 – 6 | 12.00 – 21.00 hrs.
Wijnhaven 61 & Blaak 10 Rotterdam

KINO | Film Festival
Thursday July 4 till Saturday July 6, 2024.
12.00 - 22:30 hrs.
Gouvernestraat 129-133, Rotterdam.

GRADUATION SHOW | Recap day 1
Yesterday was the first day and opening of the Graduation Show 2024.

Swipe to see some pictures.

Spotted your work? Comment for a tag!

Today, the Graduation Show is open to visitors again from 12 noon to 21:00 hrs. Visit the
exhibition, enjoy all the beautiful art and design and come to the talks by Leisure and
Events Management and Photography ‘Embracing the Creative Process’
at the first floor Wijnhaven (). Also don’t forget to take a look at the store in
the entrance hall of Wijnhaven 61 where you can purchase work from our graduate
students.

You can find the timetable in our highlights or on the website.

Today opens its doors for the Film Festival from 12:00 to 22:30 hrs. Get
your free tickets via the link in bio.

WdKA Graduation Show | July 3 - 6, 2024
Thursday to Saturday July 4 – 6 | 12.00 – 21.00 hrs.
Wijnhaven 61 and Blaak 10 Rotterdam

KINO | Film Festival
Thursday July 4 till Saturday July 6, 2024.
12.00 - 22:30 hrs.
Gouvernestraat 129-133, Rotterdam.

GRADUATION SHOW | OUTDOOR CITY CAMPAIGN

Only one more day until the opening of our Graduation Show 2024! Did you spot one of our posters already? We created the poster in collaboration with students to give a little preview of what the Graduation Show has to offer... Don’t forget to register your visit via our website and buy your tickets for the Film Festival via KINO (link in bio).

WdKA Graduation Show | July 3 - 6, 2024
Wednesday July 3, | 16.00 – 22.00 hrs.
From Thursday to Saturday July 6 – 8 | 12.00 – 21.00 hrs.
Wijnhaven 61 and Blaak 10 Rotterdam
Curious for more information, stories and the latest news? Keep an eye on our link in bio and socials for updates!

GRADUATION SERIES | Marie Caye | Fine Art

In this series, we delve into the journeys of 18 students, both BA and MA, who are working towards graduation and are preparing for a new chapter after graduating. After the interviews of part one, we are now sharing with you part two of this graduation series, where graduates will share updates on their process / progress of their graduation projects. Today we share with you the process of Marie Caye.

“Slowly all the strands of different materials and different ideas are weaving themselves together. Looking into the aesthetic of decay, I started burning part of the work and later I remembered the image of our burning mountain house, so thankfully there’s a lot of loose strands still.”

Swipe to see some visuals of Marie’s process and check the website for the interview we did in March!

Graduation show 2024 | July 3 – 6
Bachelors in Art, Design, Leisure and Art Education.

GRADUATION SERIES | Denisa Voláková | Product Design

In this series, we delve into the journeys of 18 students, both BA and MA, who are working towards graduation and are preparing for a new chapter after graduating. Today we share with you the process of Denisa Voláková:

"In the past few months, I went through such a rollercoaster. My research on Horror Vacui became deeply personal, each step feeling liberating yet challenging to share. Reflecting on my own memories and hearing problems, I began with subconscious and abstract hand engravings. Curious about translating my memories onto clay, I created a collage from my analog photos and used screen printing to transfer these images onto tiles. Inspired by old, damaged fresco paintings, I aimed to create a fading effect on the tiles, making the images abstract yet recognizable upon a closer look. To enhance clarity, I employed laser engraving on the tiles and used the clay extruding technique to add layers.

This complex process mirrors my overwhelmed state of mind, a characteristic of Horror Vacui. I expanded on my work by incorporating audio and fabric. The fabric carries the collage print, blending colors through translucent fabric. The sound combines two stories. Through this fusion of sound, I aim to offer viewers a profound and unique insight into the fear of empty space, the constant presence of sounds, and the absence of silence.

1.Working on the sound
2.Currently, my favorite tile (out of 78)
3.Using laser cutter
4.Tiles before hand engraving
5.Screen printing
6.Part of the collage
7.Engraving
8.Inspiration: damaged fresco on ceiling of the Church of Agios Vasileios
9.Playing around with possible colors for the textile
10.Playing around with the tile’s composition"

Swipe to see some visuals of Denisa's process and check the website for the interview we did in March! Also, don't forget to visit her work at the Graduation Show in room 3.318.

Graduation show 2024 | July 3 – 6
Bachelors in Art, Design, Leisure and Art Education.

GRADUATION SERIES | carlota garcia | Transformation Design

In this series, we delve into the journeys of 18 students, both BA and MA, who are working towards graduation and are preparing for a new chapter after graduating. After the interviews of part one, we are now sharing with you part two of this graduation series, where graduates will share updates on their process / progress of their graduation projects. Today we share with you the process of carlota garcia:

" For my project I started a series of gatherings based on small practices for Radical Love. Throughout these past months I have been attempting to define Radical Love, drawing from conversations, spiritual knowledge, and activist practices. The more precisely I try to define it, the broader it becomes. It seems that it doesn’t want to be confined by words, but to stay ever-expanding.

My practice is process & community-based, rather than having a focus on a final result. Therefore this project is ongoing, and will stay this way. I’m archiving my research in the form of a cookbook, where I transform the collected material into practical recipes for small acts of Radical Love.

1: Book cover
2: Working
3: Poster & gathering w/ friends .re (check out their work!)
4: Draft of a recipe // How to talk to strangers at the bus stop
5: Reading “The Meal is Language and This is a Dinner Party” by Lola Olufemi and Yusser al Olbaidi during a workshop by around speculative fiction to imagine a society built on Radical Love. During the “We Came from the Future'' mini-residency co-organized with at the
6: Eating food at the mini-residency
7: Reflections by
8/9: Community Care & Activism in solidarity with P@lest1ne (Join an encampment near you!!)
10: Post it notes by
If you’d like to contribute to this project, message me!

I love you!”

Swipe to see some visuals of carlota’s process and check the website for the interview we did in March!

Graduation show 2024 | July 3 – 6
Bachelors in Art, Design, Leisure and Art Education.

GRADUATION SERIES | Flora Lamy | Graphic Design

In this series, we delve into the journeys of 18 students, both BA and MA, who are working towards graduation and are preparing for a new chapter after graduating. After the interviews of part one, we are now sharing with you part two of this graduation series, where graduates will share updates on their process / progress of their graduation projects. Today we share with you the process of Flora Lamy:

“After many hours on InDesign lately, the magazine is coming together. This project has pushed me to take on many roles simultaneously—from journalist to editor to designer which has been both challenging and exciting!

Tags is a self-funded, independently published magazine that aims to shift the focus away from institutions dominating fashion and the prevailing one-size-fits-all mentality. The goal is to give a platform to creatives with radical alternative visions, celebrating diversity in approaches, images, and philosophies emerging as reactions to the fashion industry’s continuous state of crisis. By making complex and fascinating topics approachable, engaging, and exciting, Tags serves as a space to connect with others and learn something new. It introduces readers to new ideas, people, and initiatives, challenging the culture around fashion to include considerations of ethics and inclusivity.”

Swipe to see some visuals of Flora’s process and check the website for the interview we did in March!

Graduation Show 2024 | July 3 – 6

Bachelors in Art, Design, Leisure and Art Education.

GRADUATION SERIES | Beyza Demirci

In this series, we delve into the journeys of 18 students, both BA and MA, who are working towards graduation and are preparing for a new chapter after graduating. After the interviews of part one, we are now sharing with you part two of this graduation series, where graduates will share updates on their process / progress of their graduation projects. Today we share with you the process of Beyza Demirci.

In her current research, Beyza is committed to embracing imperfections as an essential aspect of her creative process. Her focus is on balancing the desire for perfection with the acceptance of imperfections, inspired by the natural process of erosion. Through intentional incorporation of imperfections, such as using heat gun to create holes after making the garment, she aims to showcase unique pieces symbolizing vulnerability, individuality, and our connection with nature. She wants to offer a new perspective on design practice, emphasizing personal growth and self expression through storytelling and exploration of human experience.

Swipe to see some visuals of Beyza’s process and check the website for the interview we did in March!

How do you make money with art & design?
First 5 Years, hosted by , is a talk show in which they focus on the practices of artists and designers in the early stages of their careers. By shedding light on the myriad directions artistic passions can take, they hope to identify the many ways you can make a living from art and design. Three guest speakers - Ermi van Oers (), Jasper Vierboom () and Robin van Leijsen () - will present their work and share their experience of starting a career/practice.

Join us on Thursday 30 May, 15:00-17:00
Location: WdKA Auditorium (WH 00.116)

Design by

GRADUATION SERIES | Bonne Steinz & Anna Liebermann

In this series, we delve into the journeys of 18 students, both BA and MA, who are working towards graduation and are preparing for a new chapter after graduating. After the interviews of part one, we are now sharing with you part two of this graduation series, where graduates will share updates on their process / progress of their graduation projects. Today we share with you the process of Anna & Bonne, who are working on their film "Olifant in de Porseleinkast" (Elephant in the Porcelain Cabinet):

"The animation process has been incredibly rewarding, seeing our vision come to life with each frame. It's been a tremendous effort, but we're so grateful for all the support, especially from our talented character animator Eva Schets [image nr3]. Her contributions have truly elevated the film's quality to new heights!
This progress wouldn't have been possible without our amazing crowdfunding donors who supported us back in April. Fundraising was its own challenge, but the outpouring of support kept us going.
As creators, we constantly face doubts and must consider every detail. Having a dedicated project partner to exchange ideas with and lean on during tough times has been invaluable. We're on schedule and cannot wait to share our final film with all of you!"



Swipe to see some visuals of their process and check the website for the interview we did in March!

Masters of Piet Zwart Institute score exceptionally well in the Keuzegids Masteropleidingen 2023

“The Willem de Kooning Academy's Masters in Fine Art and Design and Interior Architecture score exceptionally well with our students. The themes 'tutors' and 'assessment' in particular received a higher rating.”
The Keuzegids Masters provides information about the content of the programs and about job prospects after finalizing specific master programs. In addition, the Keuzegids provides an overview of the quality of the program, based on the previous National Student Survey 2022 (NSE).  For more information, visit the Keuzegids website.
 
Are you curious which Master programs Willem de Kooning Academy has to offer? Please visit the website! Applications are open until May 10th. Link in bio.
 
The Piet Zwart Institute houses the international Master programs of the Willem de Kooning Academy at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS). Since 1999 it has been dedicated to promoting study and research in the fields of art, design and art education.
 
The Piet Zwart Institute is part of the Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA), an art school that can be found right at the heart of the design city of Rotterdam. The Academy’s origin dates back to 1753, and now — with over 2,000 students — it is one of the largest art academies in the Netherlands, offering both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Fine Art and Design. The Academy is part of the multi-sectoral Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), a dynamic knowledge institute for higher professional education with a variety of programs across all educational sectors and closely connected to developments in the metropolitan region of Rotterdam. Although part of the RUAS, Willem de Kooning Academy is autonomous in realizing its goals and positioning its national and international profile.

EVENT | Film Screening ‘Maxi-Pad’, March 13 at the Auditorium of WdKA

On March 13, 19:30, the short film ‘Maxi-Pad’ (Dutch spoken, English subtitles) will be screened as part of the Platform Included]]] film month focused on inclusivity, gender, queerness and black resistance.

Maxi-Pad is a short documentary film about Max, a young non-binary person (and fine arts student at WdKA) who was born in a female body but struggles to connect with their femininity. In this film, Max is searching for ways of expressing their feminine side, by experimenting with drag. We follow them in the both euphoric and emotional challenging process of transforming from Max to their drag personality Maxi-Pad, and from Maxi-Pad back to everyday Max.

Maxi-Pad had its world premiere at IFFR 2023 and is the film debut of director Julia de Roo, who also works at WdKA as an in-house journalist.

Programme March 13:
19:00-1930: walk in
1930: start film
19:45-20:15: Q&A with director Julia de Roo and main character Max Vogels
20:15-20:45: drinks & conversations

This month, Platform Included]]] will also screen two other beautiful films at Museumpark screening room: ‘ga terug en haal het’ (go back and get it) by Clarice Garaged and ‘Aftercare’ by Mark van Emmerik. For more info, check Platform Included]]]

All students and staff members are invited. (Free) tickets can be claimed via Platform Included]]] or the link in bio.

Filmcredits ‘Maxi-Pad’:
Starring: Max Vogels, Cinematografie: Melissa Vermeulen, Geluid: Rivaldo Rose, Regie, Production Design & Edit: Julia de Roo, Poster Design: Ilse Oudheusden

ROOM FOR SOUND | OPEN CALL

It’s time for the final round of residencies at Room for Sound for this academic year. If you are interested in experimenting with sound for your research and artistic practice, this is the perfect opportunity! You will have the room for yourself over 2 weeks and we will invite you to upload one sound per day as an audible translation of your explorations. In order to support your research, you can spend up to 50 eur for materials (and get reimbursed by WdKA) and you can use the equipment in the Room (a zoom recorder, an iMac, a JBL go3 speaker).

The next Residency round will take place between April 3 and June 16, 2023. Read all the info and apply here: https://forms.gle/3LYe5UXQqm2f1L1z5

Anyone from the WdKA and PZI is welcome to apply: current students, teachers, any other staff!
Accepting applications until March 21 (end of the day).
Results of invited residents: March 23 (by end of the day).

Good luck!

STUDENT DUMP | a week in the life of...



1 student, 1 week, 10 pics. With this format we give students a platform to show us their week by capturing the everyday experience of being a student at WdKA.
Swipe to see student’s photo dump and read the matching captions below.

1. Browsing in the academy’s library
2. More books, but now in Atria (Institute on gender equality and women's history)
3. Prepping for a screenprint 
4. Making ink from burnt books
5. Printing on balloons
6. Taking some pics  
7. Cutting and folding a riso collage
8. Monthly traditions
9. Semi-poetic laser-cut scraps
10. Visiting TENT
 
 
I () like to look in different places for inspiration or intriguing experiences. As a fourth-year Graphic Design/Hacker student I have learned to find these anywhere, especially within the academy. Through more ‘traditional’ forms of design and print, or by messing around with new techniques or sources with friends on random Tuesday evenings. My work has developed a tendency to combine unusual materials/techniques in order to stimulate my curiosity and continue my search for explorative creations.

FASHION PORTRAITS | February, 2023

Fashion portraits is a format dedicated to our amazing WdKA community and their colorful, diverse and unique styles. We captured their outfits and asked them about their style, relationship to fashion, sources of inspiration and more. Swipe to see for yourself, check the interviews on the website (link in bio) and get inspired!

Interview:
Photography: .deroo
Design:

MEET THE ALUMNI | Arts & Crafts

De Associate degree Arts & Crafts is een 2-jarige hbo-opleiding waarbij ambacht, ondernemerschap en de ontwikkeling van een eigen signatuur en creativiteit centraal staan. In deze serie ‘Arts & Crafts: Meet the Alumni’ artikelen maak je kennis met voormalige Arts & Crafts studenten. Ben je benieuwd naar hun ervaringen en naar wat ze na de opleiding zijn gaan doen? Lees dan snel de interviews met Uedia, Lenny en Ashley op de website. Link in bio.

Wil je meer weten over Arts & Crafts? Meld je dan aan voor de Open Avond op 20 april via de link in bio.

STUDENT TAKE OVER | Oana, February 22nd

“Hello, my name is Oana Stanel, I am a second-year illustration student, and this is a recap of my takeover.

During my takeover I showed you how my day as an illustration student is like. I started with some highlights of my theory class and then I proceeded to show how I prepare for my assignments. Currently I am working on combining nature and technology in VR for my latest project.
If you missed my take over, you could find it back in the highlights.

Any questions or interested to see more of me and my work? Check my Instagram
All the best, Oana

MEET THE TUTOR | Jelle Ris

Jelle Ris is schooled as an autonomous artist, primary school teacher, and education scientist. Currently, Jelle Ris is associated with several academic institutions in the Netherlands, including NIVOZ, the Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, and the Willem de Kooning Academy. At the pabo, he works as a teacher trainer of visual arts, while at the WDKA, he teaches pedagogy and didactics to trainee teachers (DBKV). Additionally, he works as an investigator and writer at NIVOZ, where he conducts research and writes on topics related to education.

Jelle Ris's diverse education and experience in various domains of education have made him a well-rounded and accomplished educator, researcher, and author. In this interview, he talks about his educational approach, relationship to art and goals as a tutor.

Check the link in bio to read the full interview.

ROOM FOR SOUND | Saran Munnichs

This week we have Saran Munnichs from Transformation Design in the Room for Sound. She is graduating in Visual Culture, Honors Program. With a background in spatial and product design and her conceptual approach, she has been building experience as a cultural curator. 

“Sound is a whole new world! 
 I have been learning about the medium of sound, different methodologies, like Deep listening, and different applications like Audacity and Max. 

It has been challenging to experiment with sound without knowing how these applications work, but I will get there! This week I will dive deeper into and experimenting how score and sound can determine and react on each other. Listening, reacting, and repeating. 

This new medium and experimental method is very refreshing. It provides me with new perspectives and approach to my subject and brainstorm.”

You can listen to her works on the Room for Sound website: https://2223.mywdka.nl/roomforsound/ 

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Room for Sound is a 10-day residency inside the Willem de Kooning Academy for students, teachers and other staff of the WDKA and the PZI. The room can be used to either start a new artistic project or work on an existing one. In exchange for the room, the resident is asked to record a sound a day: this can range from an in-depth talk about the work to a short observational soundscape. The sounds will be uploaded daily to the mywdka homepage so that the academy community can tune in to what’s happening inside the Room for Sound.
This academic year, the residency begins on January 16. 
Visit @ BL02.4a
Follow @ rmforsooound