From the age of cave drawings to the digital age, man has consistently refined his creative instinct and harnessed it to fill his world with beauty, colour and magic. This intrinsic and irrepressible need to communicate artistically finds its ultimate expression in the study of the fine arts and design. And, with time, this discipline has gained an increased coinage. “Studying fine arts is more relevant today than it has ever been. The global interest in and enthusiasm for contemporary art has never been stronger… ” says Dr Susan Collins, director, Slade School of Fine Art, University College London.
There is hardly an area in our lives which has remained untouched by the influence of this discipline. Books, cars, clothes, homes, music and even the gadgets that we use—all bear an evidence of its ‘finer’ touch. In fact, in many cases, this discipline dictates the way we are or will be. Take fashion, for instance. “A designer does not solely create a collection. He is responsible for defining trends and translating and transforming the mood and look of the society,” says Gaia Zammattio Del Bianco from the Orientation and Information Office of Istituto di Moda Burgo, Milan, Italy.
Thus, anybody aspiring to pursue this discipline should have an understanding of the power it has in introducing new thought processes and ushering change in this world. Rather than thinking of it as an obsolete discipline, an increasing number of people, governments and businesses are appreciative of it being instrumental in the growth of a country and its economy. With Daniel H. Pink rightly predicting that MFA is the new-age MBA, in Harvard Business Review’s Breakthrough Ideas for 2004, it no longer surprises us to see that the demand for fine arts graduates exceeds the supply and they are being offered competitive remuneration too. And if the thought of studying the fine arts and design still makes you wonder whether you can actually earn a comfortable living, think of Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor, Donatella Versace or Sir Elton John—all from fine arts colleges—for inspiration.
Imagination, creativity, the ability to think differently and flexibility are much valued qualities in any candidate willing to pursue the discipline. As a student of the fine arts, you may be encouraged to work across various disciplines. “Students often work fluidly across disciplines and media as appropriate for the development of their work. It is not unusual, for example, for a student of painting to work on a book or a 16mm film,” says Dr Collins, adding that “a non-medium specific approach has definitely been an emergent characteristic of young artists”. And, for both artists and designers, there is a plethora of choices to pick from: sculpting, dance, music, jewellery designing, engineering design, fashion, photography, filmmaking, graphic designing and glass art to name just a few.
Apart from this inter-disciplinary approach, students of fine arts and design are also expected to work closely with the industry experts to understand what the market demands are. They are taught to channelize their creative instincts into ideas which have a commercial value, but also social and cultural value, thereby taking fine arts beyond the confines of art galleries and museums. “Art has taken a central role in regeneration strategies of cities and neighbourhoods and the creation of more conducive healthcare environments,” informs Dr Collins.
An artist working in collaboration with scientists to develop a new prototype is a common thing today. You can be working with engineers to design the car that meets the future travel requirements or working for construction companies to create the look of the homes we will live in decades hence. There is no dearth of industries which will embrace an arts and design graduate with open arms. Health care, entertainment, advertising, publishing, transport, fashion, construction, technology or education—all sectors race to get the best candidates. With fresh technologies such as iPhone apps, the internet, smart phones etc, newer opportunities have opened up in front of graduates from this field.
While many fine arts graduates prefer to set up their own studios many also work freelance or for an organization as curators, art historians, performers, filmmakers, photographers and academics etc.
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