Anne Klontz’s words

A photograph from the early 1900s is the starting point of the bachelor’s Degree Exhibition. In this image, there is a presentation of students’ works arranged, with some thought, close together on a wall and table. The photograph frames objects such as ceramic dishes and tea sets, textile banners, sculptures, paintings, two chairs and several other items which reveal the students’ skills. In the middle of this scene, there is a label with bold letters reading “Compositions”.

What is a composition? A composition is the sum of its parts so to speak, but in relation to art, craft and design, a composition must include specific elements such as point, line, space, shape, texture and colour. You don’t necessarily need all the parts at the same time, and you can arrange a composition with a single element, but when more elements are added, the end results are always more successful. Composition is important because it organises things and incorporates balance and diversity. A bold line is just as important as a more delicate, thinner line. Composition can explain why some things are aesthetically more pleasing to the eye than other things. Furthermore, a composition doesn’t necessarily have to be a finished product, it can be a sketch of things or ideas that are in process.

Returning to the photograph, it really isn’t about the composition of the single object, nor is it about comparing and contrasting works, rather this photograph captures the idea of composition as a unified and inclusive space where single elements come together.

Inspired by the notion of composition, this year’s bachelor’s Degree Exhibition mixes final degree projects while simultaneously emphasising notions of process, investigation, unity and the collective voice. At Konstfack, there are various compositions in progress happening within the spaces of the studios and workshops, compositions that are taking form through the digital and material as well as through the senses of sight, smell and sound. All of these aspects become fine-tuned and reflected in each student’s project and contribute to each programme creating their own mood and identity.

Throughout the premises, visitors will find groups of works by the programmes: Ceramics and Glass, Fine Art, Graphic Design and Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture and Furniture Design, Textiles and Ädellab (Jewellery and Corpus). There is also a shared space in Vita havet bringing together a mix of selected student works from all programmes that focus on material processes and investigations around societal issues. In addition, the students have been asked to contribute one object that will be installed as a collective composition on a wall within the exhibition space. After all, it is the graduates who are the necessary elements that comprise the unified, “Composition” of the 2022 bachelor’s Degree Exhibition.

By Anne Klontz, curator