Studying Design Art Technology, what’s DAT like?

From Media Art to Design Art Technology

Varvara looks back on her decision to join Design Art Technology: “I first studied Media Art in Moscow. My experiences in media art shaped my idea of what I wanted to learn. I enrolled at Design Art Technology in Arnhem in search of something similar, but broader. The only thing I knew was that I was interested in using screens.”

Overcoming the comfort zone: a palette beyond screens

The initial months proved overwhelming, as Varvara ventured out of her comfort zone, working with physical materials like wood, metal, and sewing. “I was used to the medium of screens, and then the world of Design Art Technology had so many physical things to offer, for example in the workshops. I personally think that I’m not as strong in working with physical materials, so it felt stressful at first. But after overcoming this, I suddenly knew how many opportunities I have and it gave me inspiration for my work,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of pushing boundaries.

As a student, there’s a bunch of things you can do. The opportunities are overwhelming. After a while, something will surface that makes you want to enjoy your work even more.”

Bridging the physical-digital divide in the workshops

In the first year, Varvara and her classmates were encouraged to step away from screens and engage in the workshops and in physical projects. “Teachers challenge us to explore different mediums, broadening our perspectives and encouraging creativity beyond the digital.”

• Check out all the workshops of ArtEZ Academy of Art & Design Arnhem

Did you know that at Design Art Technology, you can work in the Hard and Software Lab, DAT’s very own workspace! Check it out:

A return to screens: choosing what feels right

Entering the second year, Varvara found herself drawn back to screen-based projects. “In the first year I would choose working with the screen since it was the only thing I knew. Now I choose working with screens because it feels right”, she expresses her evolving perspective.

Screens as physical objects: redefining relationships

“I want to look at screens as physical objects,” Varvara explains her newfound interest. “In the beginning of the second year, LCD screens and revealing the intricate components within, became a whole exploration for me.”

Taking apart screens and seeing what’s inside led to unexpected visual effects and a deeper understanding of the relationship between screens and images. “The process itself was very interesting. At first, I was doing it because I was curious how it was going to look. Then it became about conceptualising it: why does it make me question, what’s this about? Like most people, I am used to images that are made and produced on a screen a certain way. Taking the screen apart reveals its fragile objectness; sending voltage through it to get a resemblance of an image makes me question what an image even is. It was not just about funny or weird effects, but it changed my relation with how I use screens”, she observes, reflecting on the conceptualising element of the process.

DAT's a vibe

So, how does it feel to study Design Art Technology? What’s the vibe? Within her small class, Varvara discovered a supportive and diverse community. “Even though we are a small class, somehow we're diverse in the mediums we work in – from sound to physical and from technical to art – and the way we perceive art. There's no competition because of that. Everyone has fun and does their thing”, she notes. Also, all students know each other. “We’re stimulated to work together a lot with fellow students from other years – for example during project months, open days and hackathons. DAT has a specific vibe as a department: it’s kind of fun and comfortable, and there’s also a bit of stress as there’s so much to learn and experiment with. It really depends on the day. Sometimes everyone is running around and sometimes everyone is dancing! The main idea is that it’s a small community and a friend group of people.”

The community extends beyond the classroom, creating a cozy and supportive environment:

We're close friends now and have ‘DAT dinners’ once a week. It's nice to be in a class where everyone is friends. It’s cozy. We are also each other’s support system when the workload is heavier for a bit.”

Passion and self-discovery

Varvara's advice to future students echoes her own experiences: “It might sound a bit cheesy, but it’s very important to be passionate. It's about finding yourself, reading yourself. As a student, there’s a bunch of things you can do. The opportunities are overwhelming. After a while, something will surface that makes you want to enjoy your work even more.”

Design Art Technology

Would you also like to work on the intersection of design, art and technology? Find out more about the bachelor’s course:

Design Art Technology