留学生レポート

Karin Wuest

領　域 ： 絵画
派遣元 ： ルツェルン美術学校
期　間 ： 2007.03.22　～　2007.07.03

My motivation

I had the wish to study in Japan, because I felt that it would be nessessary for the context of my paintings. During my process of painting at my Uni in Switzerland, the influence of my childhood in Japan started to be visible. So I wanted to put myself into the context and the discussion about it.
I was born and raised in Japan, because my parents were working in Japan for a long time. So it was like coming home. But it was the first time being here by myself, and I was determined to get my own view of Japan and its arts.

My study

My big advantage was my ability to talk fluently in Japanese. It opened many chances and opportunities that I could profit from.
I could join lectures about Contemporary Art History, Japanese Art History and about Crafts Education. I could follow all presentations and discussions in my painting class. I also took courses in Japanese Ink Drawing and in Nihonga (japanese painting technique). They were very inspiring and they broadened my horizon.
I started to combine japanese painting pigments with acrylic paint. I chose my theme ?roots“, being inspired from my visit in the gardens of Kyoto.
It was great to make many new friends. The language helped here very much, again. The students were very open, friendly and great to have fun with. We had ?nomikai“-parties, which were great experiences. I also joined the dance club, where I found good company. I will stay in contact with many of my new freinds, some will come to visit me in Switzerland soon.
Another thing I really profitted from was visiting galleries and museums around Tokyo. They had a lot of traditional and contemporary exhibitions. I could get an idea about the art scene in Tokyo, which was also interesting to discuss, and to find my own position in.

Reflection about the exchange

I am very glad for my experience in Japan. Three months were rather short and hard to focus. Looking back, I think it was a journey of inspiration, rather than a producing time. Painting itself was rather hard, not having my materials around, and not having a lot of space. The time was too short to get myself setteled, so I rather was looking and collecting and discussing. Personally, I can say that I have found many answers. In my work, this might take a little more time. I am looking forward to the process to be continued here in Switzerland.

Very helpful was the discussion about Japanese and European Art, its differences and origins. Since in Europe this is not much of a discussion, I was glad to find it in Japan. I could get important points from my tutor Masami Kondo, my painting professors and from Professor Hoshino for Japanese Art History. Also through my presentation in Switzerland and the following critiques, I am experiencing the different attitudes towards fine art and painting here and there.

Recommendation to other exchange students

Learn Japanese! You will find many opportunities when you can talk at least a little bit of the language. I recommend to start a crash course before coming to Japan, since it is hard to focus on language and art study in the same time.

I also encourage other exchange students to go after your ambitions. Get the cources you want, ask until you get, talk to people, join sport clubs, get around Tokyo. You will enjoy the stay much more when getting involved.

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