Course General Description

The meaning of painting has been discussed for more than one hundred years. Despite of the many times proclaimed death of painting, it seems that painting has always been able to defend its existence and compete with the large amount of new artistic genres and technologies. Students are taught to use basic painting methods and techniques and acquire sound knowledge of the history of their field. The main aim is, however, to educate original, independent painters, who will be able to look for new means of expression, creatively overcome the residues of the crisis in painting (be it real or just proclaimed), carry out public space and architecture projects and use painting as the means of getting to know themselves and reflect on current issues.

School General Description

The Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design in Prague was founded in 1885. Throughout its existence it has ranked among the best educational institutions in the country. It boasts a number of successful graduates who have gone on to become respected professionals, garnering acclaim beyond the Czech Republic. The school is divided into the departments of architecture, design, fine arts, applied arts, graphic and theory and history of art. Each department is divided into studios according to their specialist area. The studios are all led by leading figures of the Czech art scene. Twice a year the school opens to the public for a presentation of student work, entitled “Artsemestr”. Each year the school organises over 15 exhibitions, half of which are shown abroad. Prague UMPRUM, as one of the only schools of former post-communist countries, is featured in the index of prestigious European and world art schools.