AFAD

2023
.academy of .fine .arts
and .design in bratislava

The Academy of Fine Arts and Design (AFAD) in Bratislava is a distinguished institution that prides itself on a rich pedagogical tradition and a contemporary approach to arts education. Here’s a brief overview emphasizing its educational offerings:

Established: Founded in 1949, AFAD is one of the oldest and largest artistic educational institutions in Slovakia.

  • Educational Focus: It offers a wide range of study programs with an artistic focus, including Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Restoration, Theory and History of Art and Architecture.

  • Mission: AFAD is dedicated to enhancing education in accredited study programs, fostering creative and critical thinking, supporting independent artistic and scientific research, and encouraging the creative spirit of society while adhering to humanistic values.

  • Structure: The academy is not divided into faculties but directly into twelve Departments and a Division of Drawing, which allows for a flexible and interdisciplinary educational environment.

  • Supplementary Pedagogy: In addition to its main programs, AFAD also provides a two-year supplementary pedagogical study program, equipping students with teaching qualifications.

  • Educational Cycles: AFAD offers a three-tiered educational structure, comprising Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs, aligning with the Bologna Process for international compatibility.

  • Student Body: The academy nurtures a vibrant student community of approximately 500-999 individuals, fostering a close-knit environment conducive to personalized learning and artistic exploration.

  • Training Programs: With a broad spectrum of study programs, AFAD’s curriculum spans across Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Restoration, Theory and History of Art, Photography and New Media, Visual Communication, Applied Arts and Textiles. Each program is designed to challenge conventional boundaries and encourage innovative thinking. The academy’s structure promotes interdisciplinary interaction. 

  • International Outlook: AFAD places a strong emphasis on global perspectives, engaging in international collaborations and exchange programs that enrich the student experience and broaden their artistic horizons.

  • Pedagogical Excellence: The faculty at AFAD comprises esteemed artists and scholars, providing students with mentorship and guidance that is both academically rigorous and creatively stimulating.AFAD’s commitment to excellence in arts education is evident in its pedagogical offerings, which are designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and critical thinking necessary to thrive in the dynamic field of art and design.

Departments: The Academy of Fine Arts and Design (AFAD) in Bratislava is organized into several departments, each specializing in different areas of art and design. Here’s an overview of its departments: 

  • Applied Art: Includes studios for Ceramics, Glass, and Metal and Jewel. 

  • Architecture: Offers a comprehensive study of architecture, including a Motion Lab and various studios focused on architectural design. 

  • Conservation and Restoration: Dedicated to the conservation and restoration of various art forms and cultural heritage. 

  • Design: Covers Experimental Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Transport Design. 

  • Digital Arts: Focuses on the intersection of art and digital technology. 

  • Division of Drawing: Provides foundational drawing courses for various artistic disciplines. 

  • Intermedia: Encourages exploration across various media and artistic disciplines. 

  • Painting: Offers training in various painting techniques and related media. 

  • Photography and New Media: Covers the technical and creative aspects of photography, along with new media art forms. 

  • Printmaking and Other Media: Explores traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques and media. 

  • Sculpture, Object, Installation: Focuses on three-dimensional art forms and spatial installations. 

  • Textiles: Involves the fashion and design of textile art and products. 

  • Theory and History of Art: Provides a scholarly approach to the study of art history and theory. 

  • Visual Communication: Deals with the visual aspects of communication design. 

Despite being organized into distinct departments, the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (AFAD) in Bratislava places a strong emphasis on an intermedia and interdisciplinary approach to education. This philosophy is rooted in the belief that artistic creativity and innovation often arise from the intersection of various disciplines. By encouraging students to engage with multiple forms of media and to collaborate across different areas of study, AFAD fosters a rich educational environment where boundaries are blurred and new possibilities are explored. This approach not only equips students with a broad skill set but also prepares them to think and work flexibly in the ever-evolving landscape of the arts. AFAD’s commitment to interdisciplinarity is a testament to its dedication to preparing students for a future where adaptability and innovation are key to success in the arts. The Academy of Fine Arts and Design (AFAD) in Bratislava is housed in three main buildings, each fostering different aspects of the institution’s vibrant artistic community: 

  • Main Building: Situated at Hviezdoslavovo namestie, this building is the administrative heart of AFAD, housing the Rectorate, Academic Library, and departments such as Architecture, Painting, and Theory and History of Art. 

  • Drotárska cesta Building: Located on Drotárska cesta, this building is a hub for creative activity, accommodating departments like Photography and New Media, Design, and Visual Communication, among others. 

  • Koceľova Street Building: The Koceľova street location is dedicated to the Studio of the Department of Painting, providing a specialized space for students to develop their painting skills. 

For more information or to get in touch with AFAD, you can contact them at the following details:

Phone: 02/594 285 02 
Address: Hviezdoslavovo namestie 175/18, Bratislava,81101
Website: You can visit their official website for further details and inquiries. 

Pedagogical Intensification
– Academy of Fine Art’s in Bratislava (AFAD’s)
“Arts and Crafts Today”  

23-29
10/23

The Academy of Fine Arts and Design (AFAD) in Bratislava proudly participated in the international collaborative project “Arts and Crafts Today”, which involved six prestigious art schools from Europe and overseas. This event marked a significant moment of pedagogical intensification, where traditional methods were not only applied but actively interrogated, leading to the emergence of new ideas and the exploration of innovative paths in art and design. 

Participating Institutions: France (École Supérieure d’Art et Design de Saint-Étienne), Belgium (Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels), Portugal (The Faculty of Fine Arts University of Porto), Canada (Université du Québec à Montréal), Morocco (Institute National Des Beaux Arts, Tetouane) Slovakia (hosted by Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Bratislava). 

AFAD’s Intense Week Structure

Bratislava and RONA Glass Factory Lednicke Rovne.
The Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava (AFAD) has  made a significant contribution to the International Arts and Crafts Today project, a global initiative aimed at fostering artistic collaboration and exchange. During an intense week of activities organized in Slovakia, partner schools were invited to participate in a series of workshops and discussions designed to enhance their understanding and practice of contemporary arts and crafts.

The week was strategically divided into two segments to cater to the diverse interests and focuses of the participants. A smaller, theory-focused group remained in Bratislava, engaging in in-depth discussions and theoretical explorations of modern art forms. This group delved into the rich history of AFAD, which has been a pivotal institution in Slovakia’s artistic education since its establishment in 19491. The discussions were aimed at unearthing the interconnections between traditional and contemporary art practices, as well as examining the role of art in today’s society.

In contrast, the larger artistic group embarked on a journey to the renowned Rona glass factory workshops. Here, participants had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into glassmaking. The workshops at Rona are celebrated for their blend of traditional techniques and modern design, offering a hands-on experience in various decorative methods such as cutting, engraving, and painting. This practical immersion allowed the artists to gain valuable insights into the intricate processes of glass art, a field in which Slovakia has a storied and prestigious history.

The division of the groups allowed for a tailored approach that maximized the learning outcomes for all participants. Those with a theoretical inclination were provided with a platform to critically assess and discuss artistic concepts, while the hands-on group gained practical experience, enhancing their artistic skills and understanding of glass artistry.

AFAD Bratislava’s involvement in the International Arts and Crafts Today project not only highlights the institution’s commitment to international cooperation but also its dedication to the advancement of art education.

The week-long endeavor culminated in an exhibition, showcasing the designs and artifacts meticulously crafted by the participating artists in collaboration with the skilled blowers at the Rona glass factory. This event served as the junction where both the practitioners and theorists converged, celebrating the fruits of their labor. The exhibition was held at the Rona Gallery in Lednické Rovne, marking a fitting finale to a week of intense creativity and intellectual exchange. It was here that the tangible outcomes of the artistic collaborations were displayed, allowing the public to witness the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expression. The display not only highlighted the individual talents but also the collective synergy that can arise when diverse minds and skills unite with a common purpose. 

Workshops Anotation

Why Arts and Crafts today? Before the industrial era, craft was a natural part of production, but today the practice of “craft” takes on a different meaning. We believe that it is precisely because of the contrasting relationship - craft versus industry - that the legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement is still relevant and interesting. It leads us to reflect on our own (and collective) experiences with craft, tradition, technology, form and material. In time of disposable objects, when people easily throw things away, and in time of instant digital images, there is a natural need for tangible and real things. These are the reasons why the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava decided to situate the international meeting of artists within the Arts and Crafts Today project in the centre of the glass industry in Slovakia, where the RONA glass factory is located.

Workshops focused on the innovative application of glass patterning techniques and jewelewry sand casting. The workshops were conducted in collaboration with skilled glass blowers at the renowned Rona glassworks, allowed participants to engage in a hands-on learning experience.

Pedagogical Context: The workshop served as a dynamic educational platform, challenging participants to question conventional artistic processes and explore the boundaries of their creativity. It was a time for reflection, experimentation, and discovery, where the flames of the glass furnaces and the heat of molten metal became metaphors for the fervor of learning and the forging of new artistic visions. 

Workshops : Content and Methodology

The workshop methodology was meticulously crafted to foster a deep engagement with materiality and craftsmanship. Participants were informed of the workshop topics well in advance, a crucial step that allowed for thoughtful preparation and collaboration with the Rona glass factory. Here’s an overview of the workshop themes and their pedagogical significance: 

  • BUBBLE:
    This segment emphasized free blowing techniques without the use of molds, promoting a synergy between the artist and the glass master. It was an exploration of breath, space, and the organic spontaneity of glass, embodying concepts of freedom and the beauty of chance in creation.

  • PERSONAL ORNAMENT:
    Participants designed a personal ornament on a glass cup using a pantograph, blending individual artistic expression with a mechanical process, resulting in a unique fusion of personal identity and traditional glass decor.

  • PLACE, TIME, TRANSFORMATION:
    This theme involved capturing personal experiences with the environment through glass blowing on a mobile furnace. It was a tactile engagement with the landscape, embedding imprints and textures of found objects into the glass, narrating stories of place and time.

  • WORDS, LINES, NETS:
    Focused on encapsulating thoughts, emotions, and memories, this part of the workshop utilized glass shaping over a flame to record intricate patterns of letters, words, and lines, translating abstract concepts into tangible glass structures.

  • JEWELRY:
    The jewelry-making session updated traditional sand casting techniques for contemporary authorial jewelry design. It was a dialogue between the old and the new, where fire transformed sand molds into wearable art. 

Each theme was a pedagogical journey, guiding participants through a process of experimentation, communication, and the revival of tradition, culminating in a rich intermedial and interdisciplinary experience. The participants’ responses to the diverse themes presented during the workshop were overwhelmingly positive and reflective of the flexible pedagogical environment fostered by the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (AFAD) in Bratislava. Here’s a synthesis of their reactions: 

  • Materiality: Participants appreciated the tactile experience of working with glass, which provided a counterpoint to contemporary art’s often dematerialized nature. The hands-on approach allowed them to direct their learning and creativity in tangible ways. 

  • Experimentation: The opportunity to update traditional craft practices with personal designs using the pantograph was met with enthusiasm. Participants enjoyed the challenge of applying their individual aesthetics to a mechanical process.

  • Communication: The necessity of communication was highlighted through collaboration with glass masters. Participants found that sharing ideas and working together was essential to the success of their artistic endeavors.

  • Revival of Tradition: The revival of the traditional glass and jewelwry technoques as well as the pantograph project resonated with the participants, who were intrigued by the possibility of breathing new life into an old device, thus connecting with the lineage of their craft. 

  • Intermediality/Interdisciplinarity: Those from non-glass or jewelry backgrounds found the experience enriching, as it allowed them to bring fresh perspectives to the media. The interdisciplinary nature of the workshop fostered a creative exchange that was both educational and inspiring. 

Exhibition: Reflection
of
Pedagogical Intensification

As a culmination of the pedagogically intensive week, an exhibition presenting innovative works created during the workshop “Art and Craft Today” was held in Lednicke Rovne (RONA glassworks). The exhibition was realized directly in the RONA Gallery. This exhibition was thoughtfully prepared by students of the AFAD Department of Spatial Design, who considered the presentation of craft to be a crucial aspect of the artistic process. 

  • Approach: The Space Department students in cooperation with curator employed an approach that emphasized the narrative behind each crafted piece, allowing the audience to engage with the stories and methodologies of the artists. 

  • Spatial Layout: The exhibition space was arranged to facilitate a dialogue between the viewer and the works, highlighting the intricate details and the craftsmanship involved. 

  • Interactive Elements: Interactive elements were incorporated to provide a hands-on understanding of the materials and techniques used, bridging the gap between creator and spectator. 

  • Craft Exhibition Considerations: By focusing on how craft is exhibited, the students brought to the forefront the importance of presentation and context in understanding and appreciating the value of artisanal work. 

  • Photo documentation: The exhibition also included a presentation of proffesional photographs capturing the creative process and the unique atmosphere of an international gathering in a glass factory.    

Significance of Exhibition:

  • Pedagogical Showcase: The exhibition served as a tangible showcase of the pedagogical intensification that characterized the workshop, reflecting the rigorous exploration and questioning of traditional methods. 

  • Emergence of New Ideas: It highlighted how new ideas and paths were explored, with each piece telling a story of innovation and the reimagining of craft in a contemporary context. 

  • Craft Exhibition Considerations: By focusing on how craft is exhibited, the students brought to the forefront the importance of presentation and context in understanding and appreciating the value of artisanal work. 

  • Forum for discussion: The diverse array of works displayed in the exhibition, each a product of specialized knowledge and cultural heritage from the participating schools, sparked rich dialogues among viewers and creators alike. This exhibitoin space became a crucible for exchanging ideas, challenging preconceptions, and fostering a deeper understanding of the crafts on display. The exhibition, thus, served not only as a pedagogical outcome but also as a vibrant forum for ongoing education, critical reflection, and the cross-pollination of artistic philosophies. It underscored the project’s commitment to not just teaching art but engaging with it as a living dialogue. 

Exhibition/List of Participating Artists:

Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels: Cyril Bihain, Zoe Brisset, Mario Ferretti, Pedro Riofrio, Shirley Thomas
École Supérieure d’Art et Design de Saint-Étienne: Tina Abenzoar, Marie-Aurore Sticker-Metral,Loic Bonche, Arthur Carpentier, Elen Gavillet, Yagmur Kesmes, Tetiana Papushnikova, Elen Gavillet, Yagmur Kesmes, Tetiana Papushnikova
Institute National Des Beaux Arts, Tetouane: Amine Asselman
The Faculty of Fine Arts University of Porto: Teresa Almeida, Inês Amorim, Graciela Machado, Daniela Ribeiro, Catarina Silva
Université du Québec à Montréal: Emy Gagnon-Gélinas, Alexis Lepage, Clara Painchaud, Dominic Papillon
Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava: Zuzana Kováčiková,Natalie Lehnertová

Workshops: Marcel Benčík, Patrik Illo, Kristýna Španihelová, Naďa Kančevová 
Curator: Naďa Kančevová 
Exhibition design: Adriana Ondrušová, Miroslava Bullová 

  1. 0

    The AFAD workshop for the Arts and Crafts Project serves as a valuable case study in enriching teaching practices in art schools. Here’s a synthesis of its main points and its relevance to the pedagogical process:

  2. 1

    Material and Industry Engagement: Focus on the contrasting relationship - craft versus industry - that makes the legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement is still relevant and interesting today.The workshops emphasized hands-on experience with materials, which is crucial in an art world that often leans towards the conceptual. This tangible interaction with glass and metal grounds students in the physicality of art-making

  3. 2

    Innovative Experimentation: By updating traditional craft practices, the workshop demonstrated how experimentation can lead to new artistic forms and expressions, encouraging students to push the boundaries of their creativity

  4. 3

    Collaborative Communication: The necessity of communication, especially in collaboration with artisans like glassblowers, highlighted the importance of interpersonal skills in the creative process, fostering a community of learning and creation…

  5. 4

    Tradition and Modernity: By working alongside glass blowers at the Rona glassworks, participants engaged with age-old techniques, using them as a springboard for contemporary design and artistic expression. The revival of traditional tools and methods, such as the pantograph, showed how historical techniques could be reinterpreted in contemporary practice, bridging past and present in art education. The Pantograph project exemplified this spirit of innovation, as participants designed personal ornaments, transforming a traditional decor tool into a medium for personal storytelling and artistic identity

  6. 5

    Exploration of New Paths: The jewelry-making segment, focused on sand casting, pushed participants to not only work with fire but also to understand its role in shaping both the physical and conceptual aspects of their creations

  7. 6

    Interdisciplinary Approach: The inclusion of participants from various backgrounds enriched the workshop, illustrating the value of diverse perspectives in art-making and how they can lead to a more holistic educational experience

    Outcomes and Impact: The workshops were a resounding success, with participants from all six institutions creating a diverse array of artistic designs. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with personal creativity led to the production of unique works that exemplified the theme of the project. Links and networking between participating schools were also strengthened and new collaborations were established. 

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