SPECIAL EXHIBITION:

Johannes Kuhnen: a survey of innovation

This exhibition is currently touring nationally.

To view a preview of the accompanying book click here

The Gold and Silversmithing Workshop at the ANU School of Art is one of Australia’s leading institutions for the practice-led study of contemporary metal work. The newly refurbished and extensively equipped workshop provides a unique environment where small class sizes allow for intensive individual tuition and progressive facilities ensure that students are offered the highest quality learning experience.

The Gold and Silversmithing Workshop offers courses for students to continue and extend the traditions of this ancient, yet vibrant craft and are offered at undergraduate, honours and graduate levels. Courses aim to prepare students for careers as practicing professional artists and associated vocations relating to the field.

Students receive comprehensive instruction in traditional and contemporary metal working techniques such as forging, fabrication, metal finishing, toolmaking and machining and produce works that cross boundaries between functional, decorative, wearable and sculptural. A diverse range of materials and related processes are introduced, including both precious and non-precious metals, as well as a wide selection of non-metals. Experimentation with alternative materials is encouraged and often leads to independent study and graduate research. Courses also engage a significant component of concept development and design methodology and throughout the course reference is made to the historical and contemporary context of gold and silversmithing practice.

In the first semesters, students concentrate on set projects designed to give the widest possible introduction to the tools, techniques and processes of the discipline. In later semesters student projects are established on an individual basis in consultation with Workshop staff. An emphasis is placed on the development of concepts and projects in the light of personal interests and abilities. Progress is monitored through individual tutorials, group critiques and reviews where work is presented to staff and fellow students for critical appraisal. Regular field trips and visits to galleries and museums are organised each year to compliment the studio-based study.

Students are supervised and tutored by staff with international reputations, advanced technical skills and in depth understanding of both practical and theoretical approaches in the area of contemporary gold and silversmithing. The Art Theory Workshop, Art Forum public lecture program and School of Art galleries offer additional stimulus from a wide range of visiting artists, craftspeople and theorists.

For further information. Contact: Johannes Kuhnen.

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