MA Fine Art

The English-taught Master Programme in Fine Art at the Iceland University of the Arts is research based, and is designed to facilitate the development of artists´ practice through engagement with materials, issues and ideas. Societal and environmental concerns are considered and informed by the contexts of theory and practice. High emphasis is placed on individuality and flexibility in students´ choice of materials and methods and academic and technical support is provided by engaged and active practitioners on all levels.

The student group is small but invariably international and from diverse cultural backgrounds. The programme fosters inquisitive and innovative approaches from environmentally aware practitioners, unafraid to critique and challenge societal norms and situations, and exercising the potential role of art in world-making and shaping.

The full-time study programme spans four semesters over a two-year period and is taught through workshops, individual tutorials, group crits, seminars and lectures. A further range of highly qualified artists and guest lecturers are associated with the Department who for the final project support students on an one-to-one basis in the development of their artworks. As part of the programme there are opportunities for group and solo-exhibitions both within the premises of the University and as part of the dynamic Icelandic art scene within Reykjavík and around Iceland.

Course highlights
Semester one: Introduction to artistic research and methods, a week-long group residency (including an exhibition in a renowned art space in the North)—gallery visits and seminar sessions, one-to-one tutorials and group crits, an intermediate group exhibition at IUA, optional courses and lectures.

Semester two: Individually supported studio practice, tutorials and group crits with staff and visiting artists, site-specific project in a public place, collaboration with curatorial students, introduction to thesis writing, final group exhibition at IUA, optional courses and lectures.

Semester three: Combining theory and practice through individually supported thesis writing and studio practice, allocation of a specific MA thesis- and MA project-instructors, optional courses and lectures.

Semester four: One-to-one tutorials with MA project instructor, group crits and tutorials with staff and visiting artists, solo exhibition in one of IUA galleries, tutorials with MA thesis instructor, completion of MA thesis, MA degree group exhibition in an established art venue in Reykjavík, Graduation.

Application deadline: March 8