In July, more than 200 bachelor's and master's students from the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK), presented their graduation projects, including students from our ArtScience Interfaculty. Omer, Anaïs, and Laura share their experiences of developing and presenting their work for the Graduation Show.
Omer van Soldt: The self at 50hz
The work consists of a rotating installation containing a symmetrical composition of 12 mirrors. By alternating the specific frequencies in rotation, the image can unify or completely eliminate the observer from view.
“It was an extensive process. I had to learn different skills, take the space to make mistakes and learn from people that are better than me. Also, ArtScience is an immensely free department. And with that freedom comes a certain responsibility: when I see potential in my work, I need to prove it. That creates a really interesting dynamic to work with, being able to show both the department, but also myself that my idea is possible.”
Anaïs Lossouarn: DE CŒUR EN CHOEURS [Hearts in Chorus | From heart to heart]
This tactile sound installation reveals the unseen connections between voice, heartbeat, and touch. Delicate copper wires, suspended from the ceiling, carry the recorded heartbeats of individuals who listened to the same sung melody. Subtly vibrating, they translate sound into movement.
“Usually we work in our studio with other ArtScience students. So here, during the preparations of the exhibitons, it was a really nice moment to build up with students from other areas as well. There were a lot of students helping each other. So there really is this sense of community, which I really enjoy here.”
Laura A Dima: The Alien Between Us
The Alien Between Us is an interactive installation that allows two individuals to experience each other's bodily signals (heartbeat, breathing and temperature) through wearable sculptures. Rooted in a technofeminist and queer psychoanalytical framework, the work challenges social assumptions and invites connection through sensory experience.
“I built my own electronics and got help from teachers at both KABK and KC. We also had the possibility to use the studios at KC to experiment. Having the possibility to explore sound in different ways, really broadened my horizons. It got me curious to explore new territories. And I think that's great because I would not have done this by myself. So I think that the combined expertise of KABK and the KC helps students develop more broadly and discover new territories.”
Read more and explore the graduation projects of our ArtScience students here.