TxT (Textile)
In the Textile department, TXT, students learn to become designers. The approach to design is applied but a freer approach is also allowed. The underlying principle is textile as a material, as a system, and as a ‘possibility’. The basis of the department is formed by gathering knowledge on materials and techniques, designing and learning to place the work in a context. During the Textile study programme, you will develop a position with regard to these three domains. After graduation you may use the title Bachelor of Design (BDes).
Contact / See also
textiel@rietveldacademie.nl
rietveldacademie.nl/txt
Materials and products are developed in TXT. The notion of a ‘semi-finished product’ plays an important role, enabling us to mediate between all kinds of end uses: architecture, fashion, interior design and industry. The atmosphere in the department is one in which thinking and doing permanently influence each other. Within the applied framework of the department, there is the opportunity to develop more autonomously oriented work. The world of visual designers is no longer strictly divided between artists and designers. The confusion between these two positions is productive, and you will be challenged to use it.
Courses Offered
materials: Making (or unpicking) and printing and processing textile structures. The basis is formed by materials knowledge, weaving, knitting and screen-printing. design: Applying textile qualities in ‘products’. The body and (public) space are recurrent references. context/theory: How do you link thinking to development/production and vice versa? How do you control your own work? How do you and your work function in ‘the real world‘? Reading, writing and presenting are integral parts of the curriculum.
Study structure
first specialisation year
In the first year of TXT, you will be introduced to all the techniques in the area of textile processing. You will learn to make fabrics, and to print on them and process them. Knowledge of textiles will also help you understand the qualities of textile materials. You will be given many assignments and be challenged to experiment with both technique and design itself. Assignments may be body-related or space-related. You will also receive written assignments to help you learn to develop and express your own thoughts. You will be expected to take a critical view of your own work.
Second specialisation year
In the second specialisation year, experimentation will help you develop a more clear-cut idea of what you can and would like to do as a designer. In this year, it becomes important to develop your own work and place it in context. How do you present yourself? How do you compare to other artists and designers? Presentations will become increasingly important and you will be taught to take control in this area too. Collaboration with students from other departments will be encouraged.
Third specialisation year
You are obliged to undertake a work placement at the end of the second specialisation year or the beginning of the third year. This will help you explore your own individual areas of interest and test your ideas in practice. This work placement lasts a maximum of two months. Writing an essay is another important part of the third specialisation year. This essay will help you understand your analytical abilities and the context and position you choose as a designer in the world. And, of course you will also spend much of the third specialisation year working on your final presentation for the final examination exhibition.
Textile workshop / Textiel werkplaats
Projects
The annual projects in which the TXT department participates are an important teaching tool. You will go on excursions and visit exhibitions. In addition, all assessments will be held in the academy’s exhibition rooms and will be open to the public. Once a year, students in the first and second specialisation year spend a few weeks concentrating on a specific theme. These weeks give you the opportunity to study in depth and also to experiment and develop other points of view and skills with the support of guest lecturers.
Theory
Theory has a very important place within the TXT department. One session a week is spent on reading, writing and analysing texts. You will also learn how to write a good text yourself. Philosophy and conceptual thinking are important in this. The Studium Generale is also a standard part of the theory education in the Textile department. The Studium Generale provides a general historical context concerning current themes in the contemporary international art world. The Studium Generale brings in prominent speakers from the Netherlands and abroad to give lectures. For more information, see Studium Generale
Work placement and exchange
Students are required to undertake a work placement at the end of the second specialisation year or at the beginning of the third year. This work placement lasts a maximum of two months. It is also possible to participate in an exchange programme at another academy, but this is not compulsory and is always done in consultation with lecturers.
Students 1st year
Students 2nd year