Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
Rooted in Research by Thinking Tools41524/3443/2526/1/74
Study guide

Rooted in Research by Thinking Tools

41524/3443/2526/1/74
Academic year 2025-26
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, programme stage 3
    Choice package:
    • aan opleidingsonderdelen naar keuze
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts
    Choice package:
    • Elective courses
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
Co-ordinator: Humblet Steven
Languages: Dutch, English
Scheduled for: Semester 2
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 15.03.2026 (2nd semester)
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
Total study time: 75,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Short description

In Rooted in Research, you will engage in artistic research in an interdisciplinary context. You will collaborate with students from other disciplines, share ideas, reflect together and learn to see things from different perspectives. An artist-researcher will guide the process and introduce you to the world of artistic research. This will not only sharpen your gaze, but also your way of thinking, talking and collaborating as an artist. You will develop an inquiring attitude within the safe and reflective learning environment of the Academy.

Learning outcomes (list)

BA4 - The student develops and sharpens his/her critical and investigative attitude towards designs and/or realizations that arise from visual experiments and research, emotion and intuition.
You are introduced to the practice of artistic research and you explore how research and artistic creation can reinforce each other.
You critically reflect on your own work process and on the work of fellow students, paying attention to substantive arguments and context.
You actively listen to others, engage in constructive dialogue and process feedback in a critical and reflective manner.
BA6 - The student understands the characteristics of his/her personal designs and/or realizations and is able to communicate about this in an appropriate manner.
You formulate and communicate your ideas clearly, both verbally and visually.
You bring your own artistic vision and expertise to an interdisciplinary context, and you are open to other perspectives and practices.
BA7 - The student is able to organize his/her artistic project in consultation with others.
You develop an open attitude towards collaboration and you dare to question your position as a maker.
You work (together) on developing, planning and, where appropriate, realising an artistic concept based on investigative questions.

Course content

Rooted in Research by Thinking Tools: Dust

This elective focuses on dust – that ubiquitous, shapeless element that surrounds us every day and relentlessly assails us, no matter how often we clean. Its formlessness irritates and repels us. We shudder at the sight of so much dead matter that seems to settle endlessly and tirelessly on everything. This shudder suggests that something is at stake in our encounter with dust.

Together, we explore what dust actually is – in its many forms. We analyse our complex relationship with it, delve into scientific insights into the properties of dust, and engage in conversation with artists who work with it. Then we get to work ourselves.

We read a few texts that help us to better understand dust, organise a ‘dust safari’ on and off campus, analyse our findings under the microscope, and work towards an artistic intervention with or around dust. The artistic process is guided by artists Stefan Klein and Jenny Åkerlund.

Study material (text): Recommended

You do not purchase any books yourself; the lecturer will provide the necessary reading material from the following publications:

  • Michael Marder, Dust, Bloomsbury, London, 2022
  • Stefan Klein in conversation with Dr. Andreas Rauh, AW: [EXT] Re: [EXT] Re: [EXT] Re: [EXT] Re: [EXT] Re: [EXT] Re: [EXT] RE: WG: CFP: THEORY MATERIALIZED – ART-OBJECT THEORIZED (Reflections on dust between art and theory)
  • Yves Alain-Bois, Rosalind Kraus, Formless. A User's Guide, Zone Books, 2000
  • David Campany, a Handful of Dust, MACK, 2017

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Collaborative learning26,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours49,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodReflection assignment during the examination series50,00
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodReflection assignment during the examination series50,00
Evaluation(s) for both exam chances, not reproducible in re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodReflection assignment permanently during class weeks (Permanent evaluation)50,00Consistent attendance and active participation are required.

Evaluation (text)

Permanent assessment: active participation and reflection in the group (50%).
First exam chance: presentation of artistic practice and the acquired insights (50%).

If you fail the first exam chance, you can only retake your presentation for the re-sit exam. There is no substitute assignment for permanent assessment.