TRAVEL 2011
FIVE MONTHS NINE COUNTRIES SIXTEEN CITIES
MY EUROPE AN JOURNEY TOOK P L ACE W HILE I S T UDIED A B R OA D I N T R I E R G E R M A N Y FO R F I V E M O N T H S , S T UDY ING CO M MUNICAT ION DES IGN AT T H E FACH HO CHS CHULE , T RIER .
01.03.2011-01.08.2011
Paris, France
24.03.2011 27.07.2011
ART HISTORY CAPITOL OF THE WORLD My journey through Europe began in Paris,
from pre-history to the 19th century. Walking
the most romanticized city in the world.
through the Louvre is like walking through an art
Paris feels important when your there, walking
history text book. It was incredible to see so many
through the streets, seeing some of the most
paintings in person that I have studied for years. I
iconic structures known to man. It feels romantic
spent three days in Paris, and they were by far the
and magnificent at the same time. The buildings,
most intensive three days of travel I experienced.
streets, parks, fashion, cuisine, and language all
With so much to see in Paris, the eager tourist in
have an elegance that is very inspiring, and unique
me could not sit still or waste a single moment. I
to the Paris culture. The MusĂŠe du Louvre is by far
walked everywhere, and embraced the city in
the most impressive and extensive art museum I
every way possible in that short period of time.
have visited, containing over 380,000 objects
Louis XIV of France Hyacinthe Rigaud
Grasse 1732 Paris Jean-Honoré Fragonard
ONE DOES NOT CLIMB TO ATTAIN ENLIGHTENMENT, RATHER, ONE CLIMBS BECAUSE HE IS ENLIGHTENED
Cupid A nd Psyche A ntonio Canova
Kreisau, Poland
10.04.2011 21.04.2011
EAT, DRINK, AND BE ARTSY It took one very tumultuous, miserable
art. Within this program, the participants would
eleven hour bus ride to Kreisau, Poland.
work within the field or medium of choice and
On that journey, I had no idea that I was in for
develop some type of artistic representation of
one of the best experiences I could ever have. I
Kreisau, and its historical significance as a place of
remarkably found myself in this tiny town by taking
Nazi resistance as well. We were given the theme
part in the 2011 European Forum of History and
‘forced migration’, and at the end of the ten days,
Arts. This ten day art intensive program introduced
showcased our new artwork as an exhibition in
me to over seventy-nine student artists from
Kreisau. Most were inspired by the surroundings in
twelve participating universities and nine different
Kreisau as well as the historical significance. This
countries. I witnessed the creativity of all kind that
incredibly tiny, humble town has a population of
was unique to each country, city, or university of
220 people, and contains one tiny “market” next to
each student. The program offered a vast variety
where we were staying. A walk through the town
of programs for freedom in creativity that included
shows a landscape of rolling farms and homes.
painting, various drawing medias, digital art, short films, performance art, paper sculpture, and land
Various student works
S E V E N T Y- N I N E S T UDEN TS T W E LV E UNI V ERS I T IES & N I N E DIFFEREN T COUN T RIES CO M E TO GE T H ER FOR A JO IN T E XHIB I T IO N W IT H T H E T H EM E FO R C E D M I G R AT I O N .
FRAGMENTING WALL BY SAMANTHA FINE & JESSICA MARAK
PAPER PLANES Out of the vast range of workshops offered
that stood over six feet tall. The pillars can be
in Kreisau, paper sculpture was the most
moved to stand in a straight line, or staggered. The
foreign medium to me. Naturally, this is why
top parts of the pillars contained die cut triangles,
I chose to take part in that particular workshop.
which show movement. This embodies the pain
This collaborated work was turned into a kind of
that the people of Poland were forced to endure
performance piece, by literally building a wall out
throughout this period of time.
of paper that would force others to walk around the wall that was obstructing their path in order to coexist with the theme ‘forced migration’. Our final product consisted of twenty white paper pillars
Roma, Italy
10.04.2011 21.04.2011
LAOCOÖN & HIS SONS
ANCIENT ART, ARCHITECTURE, & CULTURE Before going to Europe, Rome was the
that I had planned on seeing was so much more
most ‘famed’ city in my mind. It was special
monumental to see in person than to read about it
to me because of the art history and architectural
in a book. From the Vatican to the Sistine Chapel,
history in the city. Rome seemed even more
there is nothing that can compare to actually
extensive, with so much ground to cover in just a
seeing them in person. The ancient architecture
few days. I found my independence as a traveler
throughout the city is magnificent. Near the
here, by distancing myself from my group and
Colosseum, is the Roman Forum, which was my
really exploring what seemed to call to me. Rome
favorite surprise to stumble upon through my
is a beautiful Italian city, with a history that spans
explorations of this ancient city.
over two and a half thousand years. It is diffused with history around every corner. Everything
A msterda m, Netherlands
27.05.2011 30.05.2011
ALMOST UNEXPECTED It takes two expensive, polar opposite trips to understand Amsterdam. My first trip was with a group of thirteen people. We traveled the city as a group, and spent most of our time in the touristy center of the city. In my second trip, I went with three people, and we rented an apartment
Environmental design was everywhere, and this
in a neighborhood away from the tourist–flooded
was something I did not expect. The city is rather
areas. Rather than visiting the attractions however,
calm once you get away from the center. The city is
found myself simply walking around, exploring the
flooded with people on bikes, which is coincidently
streets and various stores. Amsterdam had an
a great way to explore the city. I covered a lot of
incredible amount of graphic design on the streets.
ground on bike, and even got completely lost one evening. There is such a unique culture in Amsterdam that I had not see anywhere else. One must really immerse themselves where the local live in order to see the beauty of this city.
IMAGINATION WILL TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE
Berlin, Deutchland
02.06.2011 04.06.2011
ART WITHOUT BORDERS Ich bin ein Berliner seems to be the city’s
a major aspect of the culture there. Graffiti covers
slogan, and is seen all over Berlin. It means
the streets of Berlin, turning every depressing,
‘I am a Berliner‘. It really is the perfect slogan for
cold brick building into an enormous, beautiful
the city, because after visiting this city, I wanted to
mural. The graffiti artists see their work as way of
become a Berliner; to live there, to start my career
reclaiming the city. Graffiti culture began in Berlin,
there. Berlin is an incredible city, perfect for the
and is traced back to the 1980’s in West Berlin.
young artist or designer. There is a niche for every
The graffiti first blossomed in an neighborhood
kind of art found in Berlin. Upon exploring the city,
called Kreuzberg, which is surrounded on three
I found creativity around every corner. The city
sides by the Berlin Wall. Here, was miles of wall
embraces its dark past, and has turned its scars
space and little police scrutiny of the graffiti. This
into art. There are signs of the history of World War
street art in Berlin is seen everywhere, and it is
Two and the Cold War everywhere, but rather than
very apparent the influence it has had on the city,
showing shame, Berlin shows to learn from the
and they way in which it shapes the culture.
past and turn it into something new. The Graffiti culture of Berlin is evidence of this history, and is
EAST SIDE GALLERY, BERLIN WALL
BARRIERS INTO BEAUTY The East Side Gallery is a set of murals on the remaining panels on the Berlin Wall. According to the website, the gallery is a 1.3km-
this memorial for freedom and make it the largest
long section of the wall in the Friedrichshain-
open air gallery in the world. The paintings at the
Kreuzberg borough of Berlin. This area is a part of
East Side Gallery document the time of change
the former East side of Berlin. Approximately 106
and express the euphoria and great hopes for a
paintings by artists from all over the world cover
better and free future for all people of the world. It is an international memorial for freedom. Many of the murals have become very famous symbols of the Berlin Wall, and the historical events that have taken place in the city. The painting of Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker embracing in a kiss was painted by Dmitri Vrubel. It is called My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love, and it is one of the very iconic and memorable murals. The sense of a sad history is very overwhelming when visiting this gallery. The murals are all very inspirational because they depict something so powerful in a very meaningful and clever manner.
AN ARTISTS’ PARADISE Tacheless: an international community of
them in a very inspirational way. This was one of
artists, and a cultural melting pot. It embodies
my favorite parts of Berlin, because you really get
Berlin to its very core. This center is in an old
a real sense about the culture of Berlin. Tacheles
ruined, formerly abandoned building located in
a symbol for the situation of a reunified Berlin and
Mitte. It contains galleries and studios of local and
the dawn of a fresh, artistic freedom of Berlin.
international artists. This place has become an
The building, both inside and out, is covered in
international meeting point for those interested
graffiti. Walking through the many levels inside
in art and culture. There are many different
the building is like traveling through a warped time
kinds of artists located throughout this building
of paint, shapes, and words. It was a spectacular
and outside of the building including sculptors,
place to explore both inside and outside.
painters, photographers, poster designers, and jewelry designers. When I visited Tacheles, I met artists from all over the world, including Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Colombia. These people were young artists, just like myself, and I was able to learn from
Praha, Czech Republic
04.06.2011 07.06.2011
WHERE THE LOCALS GO Art Prague is a local art show for various artists all over Europe. It was a perfect chance to see the kind of art people from all over the region were creating. The show displayed many different styles and types of art, including a painting performance piece that I was fortunate
designer, and showed a lot of great printed design.
enough to see. Each artist had an area in the
I learned and was inspired by a lot at this art show,
gallery representing their work, and also showing
and the best part of it, was that if I had walked up
various amounts of promotional material. The
a different road on my way back from sightseeing,
promotional material was great to see as a graphic
I would have never found it. It was something I simply stumbled upon, and turned out to be one of the high points of my trip to Praha.
A GOOD TRAVELER HAS NO FIXED PLANS, AND IS NOT INTENT ON ARRIVING.
ARTIST UNKNOWN, SHOWN AT ART PRAGUE GALLERY
TRUSTING STRANGERS Praha, Czech Republic, was everything
along our tour. He taught us that Prague is known
but expected. The only planned aspect of the
as ‘the golden city of spires’ The city takes great
trip was my transportation to get there and back
pride in its architecture, that includes Medieval,
home. Everything was spontaneous, and it allowed
Baroque, and Renaissance style buildings. In
me to really get to know the city. Even the manner
addition to this, it is a major art and culture center.
in which I toured the city was impulsive. My group I
There is a constant flow of art openings, and
was traveling with was fortunate enough to meet a
exhibitions using an array of media and styles.
local young architect out at one of Prague’s many
Contemporary art, fine art, or the classics – the
literally underground bars. This architect was
Czech Republic is home to an abundance of art-
eager to practice his English, and gave my group a
lovers, and this passion is reflected in the unique
detailed five hour tour of the city, explaining every
and diverse culture of Prague.
architectural detail of every building we passed by
London, England
09.06.2011 11.06.2011
BECOMING A LONDON LOCAL Stepping off the train at Liverpool station
designer, and was the guy to know around East
was a whirlwind of excitement. We went to
London. He took us to the hot spots around
immediately go meet the person we were staying
town, directed us to the most ‘scene’ galleries
with; a friend of a friend named ‘Caz‘. I had no
and meeting spots around town. Going out to
idea the excitement that lay ahead of me. As we
bars at night with him felt like I was traveling with
obscurely met Caz Brown on the street, we met,
a celebrity. It was all very exciting. Through him, I
and followed him into one of the most trendy,
was introduced to a ton of artists and designers,.
swanky areas of London for young ; this was East
. It was a very engaging experience that could be
London. He had a beautiful flat that overlooked
beneficial in my future because many young and
the city, and was right in the heart of a very artsy
talented designers I came in contact with.
area of London. Caz is a flourishing men’s clothing
The Designer: Richard
JUMPERS, TROUSERS, & KNICKERS East London was the ideal location to stay
exhibitions. There was a lot of very influential
as a young, curious designer. I stumbled
graphic design that I saw at the show. Just as the
upon a summer student art show called Free
people of London like to be unique and stand out
Range that is located in Old Truman Brewery, and
in their sense of fashion, they also like to express
has been renovated into this temporary art show
this same feeling within the communication design
for students. Free range provides new creative
pieces that I saw at the exhibition.
graduates with the opportunity to showcase their work on an international level. Categories included in this show include fashion, textiles, fine art, graphic design, photography, and interior design. The annual design show is the largest graduate show in Europe and contains over sixty
STUDENT WORK, FREE RANGE ART, DESIGN & FASHION SHOW
NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST
Trier, Deutchland
01.03.2011 01.08.2011
STREET POSTERS AND DESIGN TRIER: My home base for my five month
have ever witnessed in the United States. The
journey through Europe. With a population of
design culture in Trier is made up of the students,
just over 105,000, it is a small place with a lot of
and they do a fantastic job of utilizing their design
personality. Trier is the oldest city in Germany, yet
skills for functional purposes within the city. The
is not overtly touristy. The evidence of a unique
design students go to great lengths to show their
art and design culture is very evident in Trier. As
work, hosting exhibitions, short film festivals,
the oldest city in Germany, it has a lot of character
fashion shows, and parties in honor of the student
that makes it unique. The city is rather small, with
design community. The students here have a
a population of just over 100,000. It contains two
major desire to use their design skills in every day
universities, and has a large student population of
life and throughout the streets of Trier.
about 20,700. This abundance of students is quite evident in the vast array of posters and graffiti around the town. Poster design holds a place of great importance in this town, unlike anything I
THE WORLD IS A BOOK AND THOSE WHO DO NOT TRAVEL ONLY READ ONE PAGE.
IN DER SCHULE Trier has been inspirational to my life as a
by this different style. European design is much
designer in many ways. It has served as the
more clean, and almost always retreats back to
catalyst for all of the European adventures that
the idea of simplicity and a grid. As a designer,
have taken places, as well as the place of a formal
this is something I have struggled with in the
design education. This formal education, however,
past, but has become more clear to me. I learned
has been very different from they manner in which
to find inspiration around every corner. Good
I had been taught at home. I was given much
design is prevalent all throughout the different
more creative freedom in Trier, and it allowed me
cities I visited. I was inspired by my surroundings,
to explore other design styles within my work. In
from my new found independence, and from the
the classroom, I learned new techniques, while
other people around me. For this reason, it was a
simultaneously improving my knowledge of old
wonderful opportunity for me to be able to study
techniques. I was taught to look for aspects within
design in Europe.
my own work that I had never been taught to do before. Europe design is much different in the United States, and it was helpful to be influenced
IN T HE PAS T FI V E MON THS , I H AV E T R AV ELED TO N I N E CO U N T R I E S & S I X T E E N M A JOR CIT IES . W H AT A J O U R N E Y I T H A S B E E N .