Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices - Student Profiles

Jonathan Richards

Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices
2006-2009

I completed my foundation course in London and although I enjoyed the diversity in cultural activities offered, DJCAD offered me an environment that encouraged experimentation and had the facilities, studio space and tutor support to facilitate independent study. My course was an interdisciplinary programme of Fine Art and Philosophy. Having enjoyed critical theory and analysis before, I was looking for a course that provided both outlets. The Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices course is unique and encourages strong interdisciplinary relationships between departments and offers students varied and stimulating modules that helped shape our overall learning experience.

Although my practice is primarily studio led, I enjoyed learning from critical theory and the using of contextual sources as a means to progress creatively. Group discussion and critical debates were fundamental and stimulating tools. This helped bring us closer as a year group whilst helping to shape our own independent ideas. I spent part of my third year on an international exchange to New Zealand which was assisted by the support of my tutors. This proved a highlight of my time as a student.

“The tutors and technicians were continuously approachable, helpful and supportive.
The APCP year benefits from being smaller in size to many of the other courses, therefore as a peer group very supportive and motivating.”

Dundee is a very friendly town with the University at the core. The University actively promotes groups and societies where students can meet their peers socially.

Recently I finished an internship at an architectural practice in London . I worked for a team who deal directly with sourcing artwork for both the residential and corporate environment with the intention to gain practical experience in coordinating work of a site specific nature.

Currently I am working on a series of paintings which are to be exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy in spring 2010; RSA New Contemporaries . I have also been short listed for the Catlin Art Guide which is to feature artists ‘who are considered to be producing work of an outstanding quality, which demonstrates their capacity to make a significant mark in the art world during the next decade’.  I am also the Artist in Residence at a School in Bath .

I left DJCAD with confidence in myself and my work. It is this that has given me the motivation to pursue my enthusiasm towards art and I thank DJCAD for the numerous opportunities I have been part of.

Jeroen Marttin

Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices
2008-2009

I chose to pursue Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design because in the Netherlands I wasn’t able to combine a university education and an art degree. I was studying Cultural Studies when I heard about an exchange with DJCAD where I could continue to study theory, but also work on my art practice. I decided to go for half a year, but I ended up staying in Dundee for another year and finishing my BA(hons) because I liked the course so much.

“The thing that stood out the most about DJCAD was the dedication and knowledge of both the academic and the technical staff, but the facilities are also great. The sense of community in DJCAD was great for me as an international student. I felt at home and easily found my way around.”

After graduating from DJCAD I was accepted to do a MFA at the Dutch Art Institute in the Netherlands. For that I’m developing my art practice and my theory, but also getting into curating. In addition to that I am working as an editor for art education books.

I’m pretty sure that without my course at DJCAD I would be in a very different position. The combination of art theory and practice in APCP helped me develop both sides of my art interest.   

Kam Chan

Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices (2008)
Master of Fine Art (2009)

I chose to study at DJCAD because it was the only place that could support my interest in fine art practice and philosophical enquiry. Both departments had great staff, great facilities and it was and still is a fascinating programme.

It was great to work across departments, to try something new without being excluded and enjoy the diversity the art school offered. The philosophy department were extremely supportive, really understanding our interests and our different ways of interpretation.

“The city of Dundee is small enough to feel like you’re really part of a community, especially within the arts. The DCA, Generator and the Dundee Rep offer a wide range of activities to stimulate and inspire.”

You’re always bumping into people you know at openings and events. The city being on the waterfront offers such amazing views and sunsets. The 6^th floor of the Crawford building was a favourite spot to gaze out and think.

I began the Master of Fine Art course after graduating from APCP. I felt that I still had more work left unfinished. The support of the tutors from both art and philosophy were so welcoming and they continued to offer the kind of fusion of practice that I wanted to continue and had been trained in from the undergraduate programme. I wanted to stress the importance of this model of practice into postgraduate level.

Having completed the Masters, I have had a few exhibitions and completed internships with Stills, Edinburgh (as Research and Development Assistant) and with the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Arts (as International Curators and Professional Registration Intern). I am continuing to volunteer at Stills and will also be a volunteer at Out of the Blue, Edinburgh, helping with their exhibition programmes. I hope to use my experience to work in arts administration and continue to develop my practice.

I think the diversity of experience I gained at DJCAD made me stand out from other applicants. I am confident in presenting the practical and theoretical findings in my work, I have a passion for contemporary art and education and my undergraduate degree is so unique, people always ask about it. I loved studying APCP, would recommended it to anyone wanting to really push their boundaries and open up a new way of practicing that compliments and enhances traditional and contemporary fine art. I think that enthusiasm and pride has and continues to help me in my practice, employment and hopefully my possible PhD plans in the future.