RoyAl ART InsTITuTe MejAn ARc Art+Architecture

Textilism
AcAdeMIc yeAR 2010 2011 TexTIlIsM 30 cRedITs

Text is the Latin word for fabric and braiding.

Text, textile, context the concept of these words means parts joined into a whole. Text is an entirety that expresses something different from its individual components. This year, Art+Architecture, will explore the possibilities of the term Textile from philosophical, social and allegorical, as well as material, technical, and economical perspectives. We will consider the city as a woven fabric and reflect upon our use of textile in different cultural contexts.
www.kkh.se

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About Textile Urbanity and the course

Penelopes weave that is constantly torn to be re-woven, may be a picture of the history of mankind. deleuze talks about the Fold as a way to understand the aesthetics of the Baroque period as well as the contemporary situation. Ghandi used the loom as a symbol for peaceful resistance against colonialism. starting from the concept of textile, Art+Architecture, 2010-11, will in different and new investigations explore aspects of urbanity, art and architecture. Within the context of textile, deep global archetypes and mythologies, and connections to specific issues about class and race, may be found. Textile materials can be intertwined, tied, woven, sewn, pleated and stretched taut. Textile art is the history of women, the textile industry is the history of workers, while Haut couture stands for high class and culture. Within the field of architecture, what is braided and what can be hung, make up the foundations of building. All the way from the tent and the suspension bridge, to modern construction work and building materials, references to textile are made. Textile can also provide models for cutting edge technology and innovative architectural visions for sustainable cities. Geotextiles, sun absorbent fabrics and nano technology, can already be found on the market while other materials are currenly being developed. yet, textile production can also be a threat to our environment. According to WWF, it takes 7000-25000 litres of water to produce a pair of jeans. The textile industry is one of the largest industries in the world and therefore closely linked with economy, politics and environmental issues. our global connections to people and economies, far located from our everyday situation, interlink us in the same way as threads in a carpet. The translucent web used by both the fisherman and the spider, has provided a model and name for the Internet. This linking of events, images and stories, that happen across the Internet provoke fundamental questions: What is the meaning of place in a globalised world? What is the function of a personal memory when almost all knowledge can be found on the Internet and becomes collective? Are we trapped in the web and bound to each other to the extent that the modern idea of individual freedom is getting lost? As a consequence of our explorations we will during Textilism look closer at sweden and our own connection to the textile production that happens abroad. A large amount of the textiles bought in sweden are produced in sri lanka, where also high quality silk production can be found. There will be a two-week field trip made to sri lanka during March, 2011. In addition to visiting sites for textile production, we will study facets of the city of colombo and view architecture and the reconstruction process of a country who has recently suffered both a tsunami and civil war. Textile urbanity will touch upon philosophy, economy, industrial history, design, sustainability and issues about globalism, but we will also allow ourselves to enjoy local materials and craft - and raise our queries in relation to art and architecture.

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About Art+Architecture
Timetabled teaching sessions will be once a week, usually on Monday afternoons with a start in March. In addition there will be periods for self-study. The course comprises of 30 ecTs credits (15 ecTs credits for each semester). during the autumn semester, each particpant will be asked to do a 20 minute verbal presentation about their proferssional practice and background, or alternatively, present a text with similiar content. The reason for this is for the group to get to know each others practices and interests.

Who can apply?

The course is aimed at practitioners within the fields of Fine Art, Architecture, the Humanities and Media. Throughout the lectures and seminars we will follow the set theme from a broad and interdisciplinary perspective while sharing our own experiences.

Study trip
The cost for the trip to sri lanka (travel and accomodation) is currently 11 000 seK which can be paid in two instalments. For those who may not wish to participate in the trip, an alternative plan of study will be provided.

Application
The applicant does not need to have previous specialist experience within the field of textile. The application is to be made without a special form and should, together with accompanying material, and saved in a PdF-format, be emailed to the departments secretary nina lindgern nina.lindgren@kkh.se, or be sent my regular mail (or handed in in person) to the Royal Institute of Art (KKH). The application must reach KKH before 4th of june, 2010. The application should be labeled with Art + Architecture, and include: a short CV a passport-photo (for the KKH catalogue) an application letter, 1-2 pages, outlining the applicants reasons and motivation for applying samples of works that the applicant wants to refer to The applicants will be notified about the result around the 15th june. The autumn semester will start the 31st of August, and the enrolment will take place on Monday 13th september. you'll find the address on the next page.

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For queries, please see: www.kkh.se, or contact the departments secretary Nina Lindgren, telephone: 0046 (8) 6144000 or by email: nina.lindgren@kkh.se senior lecturer Maria lantz maria.lantz@kkh.se, and Professor Henrietta Palmer are responsible for the program.

Send your application at the latest June 4th to

Postal address: KKh, Konst + Arkitektur Box 16315 103 26 Stockholm For visitors: Flaggmansvgen 1, Skeppsholmen, stockholm

Mejan Arc is a forum for architectural and urban studies that offers one-year postgraduate courses in three disciplines, including Architecture, Architectural Restoration, both full time courses, and Art and Architecture, a half time course. The courses include lectures and study tours as well as common seminars in urbanism. The full-time courses are organized through workshops and projects. students are allowed to attend lectures given at all three courses. An increasingly urban world necessitates new perspectives. The goal of Mejan Arc is to engage in society through the generation of relevant and tangible projects, as well as the creation of networks that continue outside the academic realm. Projects generated at the school often become independent platforms that develop on their own. The three programs share an interest in the city while differing in their focus history and identity, social aspects and future urban possibilities. By utilizing methods of research and design we explore the potential of urban environments in a rapidly changing world.