Degree Courses CONTENTS

Welcome 4 Why the National Art School? 5 Where can the National Art School take you? 6 Bachelor of Fine Art 8 Art History & Theory 10 Drawing 11 Ceramics 12 Painting 13 Photography 14 Printmaking 15 Sculpture 16 Bachelor of Fine Art Course Structure 17 Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) 18 Master of Fine Art 20 Campus Life 22 Facilities & Support 22 National Art School History 24 How To Apply 26 welcome

The National Art School is where you contact hours, authentic artist studios benefitting from ongoing collegiality why > Study where some of the come if you want to be an artist and and a faculty of esteemed practicing and collaboration with this fraternity. greatest names in Australian TBC be taught by artists, to have a career artists. Which is why we continue to It is also a place of opportunity. We the art have studied and taught for in the visual arts and creative industries. produce award-winning, internationally provide a number of travel, study and more than 170 years For over 170 yearsMichael we have Snelling been renowned graduates. We equip each internship opportunities, including training artists who continue to student with the skills, knowledge residencies in Paris and Rome and national > Benefit from small class sizes achieve at the highest levels—nationally and confidence to thrive in their a number of grants and prizes which with the guidance of esteemed and internationally, personally and chosen medium, through careful, help launch our graduates into their practicing artists professionally. Generations of individualised support. Students are professional careers. ’s finest and most respected challenged to develop their practice art > Develop your practice in artists have honed their craft and their and push their creative boundaries Explore what we have to offer. dedicated artist studios with intellect within these walls. A history with rigorous feedback from lecturers, Come on campus and see our studio great facilities of fostering great art departments and visiting academics and artists. spaces, the NAS Gallery, specialist school? art movements and the far reaching fine art library and historic sandstone > Be part of a vibrant creative ripples of our alumni in a wide range This is an unrivalled campus. It is architecture. Talk to teaching staff hub in the historic old of careers maintain our leading both a colonial era site of immense about your aspirations for the future. reputation in education and as a hub significance and a working school. It If you are passionate about art and of arts activity. is intimate—you will get to know your want to learn in an authentic, rigorous > Join a graduate community that peers and lecturers as you work in and nurturing environment, this may includes many of Australia’s We are committed to teaching the vital small groups, experience intensive be the place for you. most celebrated artists practical skills that form the foundation weeks of tuition off campus, build of a career in the visual arts. We bodies of work and plan exhibitions. > Exhibit your work, learn from provide a unique experience, with high Upon graduation, you will join an Michael Snelling international visitors and grow student to teacher ratios, extensive illustrious graduate community, Director and Chief Executive Officer your professional network

> Apply for international residencies and scholarships to kick start your career > Benefit from FEE-HELP 5 Where mason kimber can the 2013 Master of Fine Art (Painting) ‘It’s a privilege to be a part of ‘Having the the National National support, Art School encouragement community. It’s ‘The National sophie cape Art School will and freedom an incredible 2010 Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) Art to experiment location and teach you so within the they have much about how Ceramic a history you view the department and a style world. I would School helped to of teaching recommend build the main which I really the course to foundation of responded to.’ absolutely take my practice.’ anybody.’ Mason Kimber was A third generation Juz Kitson has carved awarded the 2014 National Art School a name for herself as British School at Rome graduate, Sophie Cape juz kitson a one of the country’s Residency (BSR), a has gone from strength 2009 Bachelor of Fine Art, finest contemporary three month studio to strength, from her Honours (Ceramics) ceramicists. In 2013, residency funded by former life as a sprint you? she was one of just National Art School cyclist and downhill eight emerging artists donors. ‘There was so Our graduates are fully skier to award winning selected for Primavera much to do and it was professional painter. In equipped with practical at the Museum of so enriching. I had my 2010, Sophie travelled skills and knowledge to Contemporary Art. In own studio apartment so to Paris through 2011 she was awarded I could focus on work. launch their careers as the Storrier Onslow a National Art School I feel that those three professional artists. National Art School Tsinghua University months that I was away Residency at the Cité Beijing Residency I have exponentially internationale des exchange supported by grown as an artist. You Arts, and has since Arts NSW. Since being can’t really do that when won multiple awards involved in the Tsinghua you’re at home or in and exhibited in Hong residency Juz has the same spot. It’s hard Kong, Paris, Poland continued to develop to describe – it was and Berlin, as well as and pursue a practice incredible,’ he said. in where she is in ancient porcelain, represented by Olsen as well as exhibiting Irwin Gallery. both nationally and internationally. The BFA program is designed to In second year students undertake develop the creative independence, a studio major in Ceramics, Painting, knowledge, and experience required Photography, Printmaking or bachelor in each student for a career as a Sculpture. The program is directed professional artist, and to develop the and structured to consolidate and academic rigour required for further develop skills introduced in first of study at postgraduate level. year. The year is project based, and provides opportunities for students The program is delivered full-time to engage in the development of fine over three years, and involves a individual work practices. comprehensive investigation of studio practices and theoretical reflection During third year increasing emphasis ‘The National art supported by individual tutorials, is placed on self-directed learning Art School has peer discussion and reviews. under staff supervision. The program provided me with is designed to accommodate teaching Specialist study in the studio by example, under the guidance of an environment in disciplines of Ceramics, Painting, individual lecturers, with students which I can explore Photography, Printmaking and supported to work autonomously Sculpture is offered at this level. in their studios. art making and Drawing and Art History & Theory find a personal are core subjects that underpin the At the completion of the third year studio-based study throughout all all students present a major body of voice supported three years of the course. work developed throughout the year by a knowledge of for assessment. All completing BFA In the first year of the program students are included in the annual art history. I have students are introduced to the Graduate Exhibition held in the the opportunity to foundational processes, techniques NAS Gallery and across campus. and knowledge of art making through refine my work, gain study in each of the five studio confidence in my disciplines offered at BFA level. ideas and receive valuable critiques from practicing artists.’ Eloise Rankine, BFA Finalist Dobell Prize for Drawing 2011 9 drawing

Drawing is also a core subject at the National Art School. With at least one day per week devoted to drawing, students are guided in the development of a broad range of techniques and media aimed at supporting individual study in all Studio Major art history & theory subjects. Our rigorous program includes engagement in the studio conventions of observational and life drawing, through Art History & Theory is delivered as a core subject to exploration through installation, abstraction and new media, throughout our undergraduate degrees. Beginning which support the individual development of each student. At with an overview of artistic production from BFA Honours level, Drawing is offered as a Studio Major subject antiquity to the industrialisation of society in the where emphasis is placed upon independent learning through nineteenth century, the curriculum continues with student initiated studio practice. a comprehensive study of the Modernity, from Realism in the 1850s to Pop Art a century later. In the final year, the curriculum covers contemporary art, as well as Australian and Aboriginal art and culture since World War II. In addition to core subjects, AHT electives include Asian Modernism, aesthetics, architecture, Indigenous Art, Baroque, the Enlightenment, art and music, Installation, Colonial Australia, surrealism, women artists, and portraiture.

10 11 painting

In Painting we encourage student development through experimentation and innovation in studio practice. This is achieved through a solid studio foundation with structured and specific learning outcomes that pertain to both historical traditions and more recent developments within painting. An informed knowledge of the procedures involved in the creative process is deemed fundamental to a broader appreciation of the contemporary role, function and diversification of painting today. The first year of the BFA provides an engaging introduction to the fundamental materials, techniques, development of visual literacy, colour, tone and composition of painting. Collectively, the program develops confidence, competency, visual literacy and independence leading to individually tailored studio-led outcomes.

ceramics

To work creatively with clay is to explore and develop a wide range of ideal environment in which individual engage with the elements of earth, skills and technical knowledge across student learning is nurtured through fire, air and water, in combination with the temperature spectrum from raku the development of studio practice, intellectual and practical skills. The to porcelain. Our Ceramics studios professional practice and research. hands-on emphasis of our Ceramics and workshops are among the best program encourages students to equipped in Australia, and provide an

12 13 photography

In Photography we offer in-depth instruction in both practical welcomeskills and theoretical understanding. The BFA program introduces students to all aspects of photographic practice from traditional analogue camera and darkroom techniques to contemporary digital imaging processes using Photoshop and advanced digital printing. Study is integrated with studio demonstrations, tutorials, critiques and excursions to relevant exhibitions. Students are encouraged to broaden both their printmaking technical skills and their understanding of the history and From the middle of the 15th theories of photographic practice. As students progress, century when Gutenberg’s increasing emphasis is placed upon individual experimentation printing press revolutionised and investigation, which fosters individual artistic development, culture, through the 1960’s creative confidence and critical awareness. when Andy Warhol’s screen- prints shook up the art world, printmaking continues to play TBC a vital role in the art and culture of our age. Teaching Michael Snelling in our printmaking studios combines technical instruction and critical discourse that direct students toward the discovery of a personal visual language. The BFA course covers the full range of printmaking processes including relief, intaglio, screen-printing, lithography and digital output. Working with a variety of media, students create a wide range of images and objects that can include multiples, artist’s books, site-specific pieces and traditional prints.

14 15 sculpture bachelor of fine art course structure

Our Sculpture program aims to provide

students with the maximum opportunity DRAWING ART HISTORY & THEORY STUDIO

to explore and understand the traditions 1 Drawing I Art History & Theory I Studio Introduction of sculpture. Through exercises in carving, 9hpw 4hpw 12hpw modelling and construction students learn

technical skills, which enable them to realise S e m ester their sculptural goals. YR Studio Elective 1A

2 Studio Elective 1B With an understanding of methods and Studio Elective 1C materials students are able to exercise their 12hpw imagination and explore in greater depth 1 18 credit points 12 credit points 30 credit points the creative process. The development of S e m ester first year credit point total: 60 sculptural sensibility is nurtured through critical engagement with their endeavours. DRAWING ART HISTORY & THEORY STUDIO

1 Drawing II Art History & Art History & Studio Major II 6hpw Theory II Theory 16hpw 2hpw Elective 1 2hpw YR S e m ester Art History & Studio seminar II 2 Theory Elective 2 1hpw 2 2hpw 12 credit points 12 credit points 36 credit points S e m ester second year credit point total: 60

DRAWING ART HISTORY & THEORY STUDIO

1 Drawing III Art History & Art History & Studio Major III 6hpw Theory III Theory 12hpw 2hpw Elective 3 2hpw YR S e m ester Art History & Professional Studies 2 Theory Elective 4 1hpw 3 2hpw 12 credit points 12 credit points 36 credit points S e m ester third year credit point total: 60

BFA Degree credit point total: 180

16 17 The BFA (Hons) program is a full-time BFA (Hons) students have the studio-based degree delivered over opportunity to extend their abilities one academic year. It is designed in the following areas: bachelor for students who have completed a three-year BFA degree or equivalent, • Technical and conceptual skills and offers the opportunity to focus • Aesthetic and critical judgement of and further develop individual studio • Historical, contemporary and practice. The program introduces theoretical contexts relevant students to a studio research to individual art practice ‘The focus on fine environment by developing their • Studio practice and management ability and autonomy as emerging of materials drawing provided professional practitioners in the a core for the art visual arts. development of The BFA (Hons) comprises three my practice, (honours) inter-related subject streams: a Studio Major (nominated from the and is crucial to disciplines of Ceramics, Drawing, any artists Painting, Photography, Printmaking discipline. or Sculpture); supported by a weekly Studio Seminar program, and Art The variations History & Theory lecture series. in influence The course is delivered on campus, where students are provided with strengthened my dedicated studio facilities. practice and gave me the opportunity to connect to an older knowledge, which will have an ever- lasting effect on my work.’ Kyle Murrell, BFA Hons Clitheroe Foundation Scholarship 2012 19 The Master of Fine Art program is Each MFA candidate’s studio research designed for practicing artists who is self-directed in consultation with

wish to develop specific research assigned supervisors whose own master interests in their studio production, practices and experiences are relevant and work towards a higher level of to the candidate’s project. The research professional expertise. The program project demands autonomous studio of is delivered over two 48 week investigation and theoretical reflection, academic years in a full-time with support, guidance and critical study mode or an equivalent comment provided through individual ‘The National Art fine part-time duration. tutorials, formal studio critiques, peer discussions and reviews. School has been MFA candidates propose and integral in my art undertake the development of In addition to the studio research a studio research project in a program, regular symposia, in the development as an selected studio discipline. The form of lectures, seminars and artist. The main MFA exemplifies the School’s candidate presentations are held central belief in the studio model during each academic year in order thing, I suppose, of learning that promotes dialogue to provide candidates with an is the sense of between studio practice and theory. additional support context for the The MFA candidate is expected development of their studio research. community. No one to produce a highly developed really leaves NAS, and resolved body of work and a supporting written document which that’s the best thing. provides a critical context for their The dialogue between studio practice. Studio disciplines other artists is offered include: Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking always open. It’s a and Sculpture. practitioner’s art school - you draw, you paint, you sculpt. You do. I wouldn’t go to any other institution.’ Elliott Nimmo, MFA Student 21 The NAS Gallery presents an The NAS Student Ball takes place extensive exhibition program every year in September in the Cell throughout the year encouraging Block Theatre, organised by the Campus appreciation and critical understanding Student Representative Council. With of art. The NAS Gallery also hosts the themes like Gods and Monsters, Berlin Graduate Exhibitions, attracting Cabaret, 60s Sci-Fi and Wig Out — Life thousands of visitors to enjoy and a fun night is guaranteed. purchase student artworks each year. The National Art School is a special Students are well catered for on place. Situated in the historic The National Art School presents campus by the Hangout Café. Darlinghurst Gaol site, the campus a comprehensive series of Public An oasis of peace and tranquillity is a colonial landmark and a peaceful Programs. Students receive special away from the hustle and bustle of artistic haven just ten minutes from the discounts to our creative Short the busy Darlinghurst strip. CBD. Public transport and purpose Course program and our free built cycle paths make the School Art Forum series includes weekly easily accessible from neighbouring lectures presented by visiting artists, suburbs and beyond. curators, academics and art historians. ‘The friendship, support and inspiration that study, research and practice of you receive from your visual art. fellow students and the Facilities Parkers Fine Art Supplies have a store conveniently located on campus teachers is something for all your art supply needs. that sustains and & Support The National Art School provides a propels you through Student Services provides a Counselling Service on campus your professional and comprehensive range of support to contribute to the development and private life long after for students on academic and well-being of students. This includes administration related issues support and direction in: study skills, completing the formal throughout the year. From orientation stress management, family and part of your education.’ to graduation, our dedicated team is relationship concerns, health matters there to help. and vocational goals. Reg Mombassa 2014 Fellow of the National Art School The National Art School Library Students with disabilities are and Learning Centre provides encouraged to contact us following specialist resources to facilitate the enrolment to discuss support and accessibility needs. 23 In 1889 art classes were moved to the remarkable achievements and Ultimo House in Harris Street and work of our staff and graduates dating

the school became known as the back to the earliest classes offered in national Sydney Technical College. The school the 1830s. The School continues to remained there until 1922 when it was offer fine art degrees with intensive transferred to the Old Darlinghurst studio-based teaching in small classes, art Gaol and renamed the East Sydney nurturing generations of artists and Technical College. With the arrival of producing many successful students the flamboyant and influential English who contribute significantly to Australian school sculptor G. Rayner Hoff in 1923, the and international culture. art department at East Sydney gained a new impetus, and Hoff helped to fellows history establish a five year Diploma course in Geoffrey Bardon AM 1926. It was in this year that the name John Coburn AM The origins of the National Art School ‘National Art School’ was first used. OAM can be traced back to the Sydney The 1950s and 1960s saw a period of Bert Flugelman AM Mechanics School of Arts which was consolidation at the school, with swelling Fiona Hall AO founded in 1833. Early lectures were numbers of Diploma students and an Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher given in the beaux arts, philosophy enormous influx of evening students. The James AO and science. In 1843 the first drawing focus of the National Art School on the John Kaldor AM classes were conducted by Joseph atelier method of teaching, which had Colin Lanceley AO Fowles and John Skinner Prout. In 1884 evolved during Rayner Hoff’s time, was Reg Mombassa the Board of Technical Education took reinforced during this period. Drawing AC over the former Mechanics School of formed the core of the program and John Olsen AO OBE Arts and the charismatic Communard small classes were taught by practicing Peter Rushforth AM French artist, M. Lucien Henry was artists who were leaders in their fields. appointed as the first lecturer in Art, Martin Sharp arriving in Sydney after several years of The National Art School has been the Guy Warren AM imprisonment in New Caledonia. Henry, centre of several important movements Frank Watters OAM who trained at the École des Beaux- in Australian art. The School boasts a William Wright AM Arts in Paris, is credited with bringing prestigious rollcall of staff and alumni, many elements of the curriculum to the many of whom are household names. In ‘We knew we were Art School in Sydney, where he taught the 1920s, Rayner Hoff’s Holden logo freehand drawing, industrial design and the Hyde Park Anzac Memorial privileged people being at and modelling. He was also one of the were designed and made here at the the Tech during the war earliest exponents of using Australian NAS, while in 2015 our alumnus Fiona flora in art and designed the stained Hall AO is the Australian representative in the 1940s – we worked glass windows in Sydney Town Hall. artist for the Venice Biennale. hard, but for me it was

Today, the National Art School is an like heaven on a stick’ independent and strong institution with Margaret Olley AC a distinguished identity formed through 2004 25 International – applicants with an International Baccalaureate can apply for the BFA at uac.edu.au. All other How applicants must complete and submit an application form at nas.edu.au to Full admission requirements and application guidelines available at APPLY nas.edu.au prepare for be informed Photography by Christopher Phillips unless interview otherwise credited. Come to Open Day, talk to lecturers, Interviews take place on campus front cover: BFA Honours student explore the studios and experience in early December. This is your Hannah Toohey first-hand what it’s like to be a NAS opportunity to talk about your art pages 6-7, left to right: student. See the work produced by 2009 BFA Honours graduate Juz Kitson. practice, and why you want to study Image: Nikki Short. First printed for students at our end of year graduate at the National Art School. We look at Australian Art Collector magazine. shows. Check out our website and your portfolio and discuss how you see 2013 MFA graduate Mason Kimber. Image: Antonio Palmieri follow us on social media. Reach your work developing. 2010 BFA graduate Sophie Cape. out to our student services team for Image: Tamara Dean. more information. page 8: BFA student Raven Esque. if you are page 10: BFA Honours student successful Christoph Mauss. make an page 11: Drawing students in the Chapel. application Bachelor of Fine Art — we shall notify page 12: BFA student Raven Esque. UAC of the result of your interview and page 13: BFA Honours student Yoshinori Takahashi. Bachelor of Fine Art — applications if you have our course listed as one of page 14: BFA Honours student Sarah Dugan. can be made directly to the your preferences and don’t receive an page 15: BFA Honours student Hannah Toohey. University Admissions Centre at offer to a higher preference, you will page 16: BFA students Olivia Chin and uac.edu.au receive our offer. Ben Tooth. page 18: BFA Honours student Candice Towne. Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) and Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) and page 20: MFA student Elliott Nimmo. Master of Fine Art — you’ll need to Master of Fine Art — you will receive a page 23: Students at the Hangout Café. complete an application form at nas. letter inviting you to enrol. Image: Peter Morgan. edu.au and attach relevant documents. page 27: BFA student Narissara Tanasap.

27 contact us nas.edu.au [email protected]

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