Books as works of art

Working with paper, text, typography, images and covers each represents an important element in an artistic approach to the field of book art. One of the tasks here is to render the interaction between word and image visible, to shape it and present it in book form in a manner appropriate to the contents, taking into account fine arts, literature and language concerns. Burg Giebichenstein is the only art school in Germany to offer a specialist course where book design are taught as artistic disciplines.

Book art is particularly important to storytellers as an optical and haptic form. Artists’ books are intimate spaces of words and images, form and colour, sound and silence.

Prof. Sabine Golde

Focuses of this course of study

In the first four semesters, students learn a range of foundations that are important for the independent development and implementation of book ideas. Taking the content – i.e. text and images – as the starting point, suitable materials are tried out and binding techniques learnt. Drawing, composition, lettering, typography and graphics form the craft and design framework of the foundation course, while art history, aesthetics and philosophy provide the theoretical framework.

The main study period is focussed on the development and implementation of the students’ own ideas and of common projects, with advanced elements provided by targeted experimental work in the area of books and on the book as an object in all of its aspects. Seminars, workshops, and also cooperation with other institutions open up a wide range of additional directions for this course of study. Alongside practically oriented projects that treat books as useful objects and generally result in a printed edition, books are also regarded as independent art media in their own right.

Prerequisites

General qualification for university entrance, and artistic suitability. Willingness to experiment and experience with the medium of books and paper represent good prerequisites.

Degree

‘Diplom’ degree in Fine Arts

Teaching concept

Alongside the traditional techniques of lead type, book-printing, graphics (including wood-cutting, etching, lithography, silkscreen printing) and photography, work with electronic media is becoming increasingly important and this area can be expanded during the course of study. Book artists are all-rounders who are competent in tasteful design, innovative layout and binding techniques, playful items and installations involving books as a medium.

Prerequisites

General qualification for university entrance, and artistic suitability. No specialist prior technical and craft skills are required. Exceptions: The general qualification for university entrance can be waived in cases of exceptional talent combined with professional experience.

Study Information Day

The university holds a Study Information Day in January every year for applicants. General information on the university is provided, and the various disciplines showcase themselves. You will be able to talk to students and to assistants. The precise date is announced on our website by mid-December at the latest.

Annual exhibition

The traditional summer festival, which includes the annual exhibition, is held every year in July at Burg Giebichenstein. The university opens up its studios, seminar facilities and workshops to all who are curious about the fresh ideas, objects and pieces of art that have been created in the various art and design disciplines at the state of Saxony-Anhalt's art university. You are cordially invited to come along!

Contact person at the university

Office for Student and Academic Affairs
Monika Müller
T +49 (0)345-7751 532
F +49 (0)345-7751 517
E-Mail: ed.ellah-grub@ofniduts