4th (Δ’) PAINTING STUDIO / DIRECTOR: IOANNIS KONTARATOS
STUDIO DESCRIPTION
The objectives of the 4th Painting Studio programme are to support students in:
a) understanding fundamental principles of visual language through creative and observational exercises.
b) expanding their knowledge regarding the use of artistic materials and new media by experimenting with various forms of expression.
c) becoming familiar -through presentations, lectures, and special assignments- with issues relevant to the field of contemporary art.
d) developing their critical thinking and their perception of the broader environment.
e) enriching their artistic experience through activities, visual art projects, and social events of a collaborative and participatory nature.
f) organising their artistic research in the field or thematic area they choose to pursue.
g) preparing their diploma project in a comprehensive manner.
CURRICULUM
1st Semester
Course Content:
The aim of the semester is to familiarise students with basic elements of painting such as line, tone, and composition. The human model and study from life are used to improve drawing skills and to introduce students to conventional methods of representing reality.
Proportional and freehand drawing; structural and compositional approaches; observation-enhancing exercises; exercises to familiarise students with the two-dimensional pictorial space; exercises using different materials and mixed techniques; basic and proportional color exercises; conceptual development and visual processing; research and library use are specifically taught. Exercises are accompanied by projections relevant to each topic. Instruction is enriched by visits and guided tours of exhibition spaces, as well as lectures by guest artists invited to the studio.
Professor: Annita Argiroiliopoulou
2nd Semester
Course Content:
The aim of the semester is to explore students’ perceptual skills and familiarise them with various materials, techniques, and applications through research-based and creative exercises. Drawing is approached as a broader process for structuring and shaping visual language and expression. The use of various materials is introduced as a means for creating three-dimensional compositions. Photography and digital media are strongly encouraged to be used. Exercises are accompanied by relevant projections. Instruction is enhanced by visits to exhibitions and lectures by guest artists.
Professor: Annita Argiroiliopoulou
3rd Semester
Course Content:
The aim of the third semester is to gradually introduce students to 20th- and 21st-century art forms and encourage creative dialogue with contemporary artistic concerns. A thematic assignment is given in which, in addition to producing a visual artwork, students are expected -in close collaboration with the professor- to present brief lectures on how renowned artists or movements have approached the same theme in recent history. Through exposure to diverse visual approaches and ideas, students are asked to evaluate the information and choose artistic strategies for addressing the assigned problems.
Drawing continues to be treated as a broad organisational process in shaping visual language and expression.
Professor: Ioannis Kontaratos
4th Semester
Course Content:
In the fourth semester, students are asked to experimentally explore the thematic exercise from the previous semester using diverse visual media. The aim is to broaden their knowledge through the creative use of various artistic materials, styles, new media, and modes of expression.
More specifically, the focus is on gradually deepening their artistic practice and developing a research framework through design, choice of visual media, and reflection on concepts and theories they have encountered.
Group discussions and collective presentations are used to identify each student’s individual artistic characteristics and foster the development of a personal expressive idiom.
Professor: Ioannis Kontaratos
5th Semester
Course Content:
In the fifth semester, students delve deeper into the issues raised in the previous two semesters (3rd and 4th). They are asked to explore a thematic assignment related to the environment in which they live, using different visual media and experimental approaches. The thematic assignment aims to gradually connect students’ individual artistic activity with current artistic reality. Group discussions and collective presentations continue to support the identification of personal elements and the development of a unique expressive idiom.
Professor: Ioannis Kontaratos
6th Semester
Course Content:
In the sixth semester, the themes from the fifth semester are further explored. Students investigate the thematic area assigned to them by gathering material from various sources and sectors of broader cultural production, then creatively processing it through critical and combinatory thinking. They work independently or collaboratively and engage in cooperative and participatory events, interacting with individuals and institutions beyond the academic setting. The goal is to generate new research ideas and design a comprehensive visual art proposal. By the end of the semester, students are expected to curate and present a group exhibition in a space related to the theme of their assignment.
Professor: Ioannis Kontaratos
7th & 8th Semester
Course Content:
Throughout these two semesters, students begin to form their own artistic stance and learn to act independently. They are expected to connect their thoughts, experiences, and knowledge with the position they choose to take as artists in relation to contemporary developments. They also learn to organise their artistic research in order to develop a cohesive body of work, which will serve as the foundation for their diploma project in the following semesters. They articulate their ideas, conduct research, support their positions, decide on their artistic tools, refine their technical skills, and lay the groundwork for the final presentation of their work. Teaching takes place both in group settings and through individual guidance. Visits to exhibitions and lectures by guest artists are also included.
Professor: Annita Argiroiliopoulou
9th Semester
Course Content:
In the ninth semester, students -having clarified their personal artistic identity- are asked to begin their diploma project in the form of one or more visual artworks and to prepare its theoretical framework. They are expected to take initiative, critically reflect on the knowledge and experiences they have acquired, and creatively apply their developed technical skills.
Professor: Ioannis Kontaratos
10th Semester
Course Content:
In the tenth semester, students complete their diploma project in the form of one or more visual artworks and finalise its theoretical support. The goal is a comprehensive and fully realisable artistic proposal that reflects their personal stance and position within the field of contemporary visual arts.
Professor: Ioannis Kontaratos
The studio operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Student meetings with the director and the studio professors are scheduled by appointment. The nude model session schedule is continuously adjusted based on current needs.
