UAL’s Alumni Relations team is delighted to be working with CSM and LCC graduate, Michal Martychowiec on creating and alumni community in Germany.
With such a large alumni population (which increases every year as students graduate and return home) Germany is very important to UAL and we hope this will be the start of a new wave of activity for us in the country. Alumni groups are a great way to expand your creative networks, discover opportunities to collaborate, meet new friends and have fun! We hope all our graduates based in Germany decide to take part.
Michal is looking to bring our Germany based alumni together for the first time at the end of January 2016, at his exciting new art project space MMS2 in Berlin. He is keen to hear your ideas! You can contact Michal with your thoughts and to find out more by emailing ualgermany@gmail.com and you can also join the Facebook group.
Meet Michal…
What made you want to study at CSM? Did you enjoy your time there?
CSM offered a non-media oriented fine art programme, and as I was developing mix media work at the time it seemed right. Prior to that I did a Postgrad Certificate in Photography (also at CSM), and although the facilities were not the best, the Charing Cross Road campus had a particular atmosphere I still miss today, so I was happy to stay there for another year.
Hole in the sky, 2013, site specific installation by Michal Martychowiec
What have you been up to since you graduated?
After graduation I travelled extensively across Asia working on several art projects. 6 months later I returned to Europe and settled down in Berlin (which I had been considering for a while). Berlin has turned out to be an inspiring city, really the best place for a young artist to be in. I have established my studio in Berlin and continued with my art practice. Earlier this year I have founded 01AD (01 architecture documentation) – an online and printed publication devoted to documentation of art and architecture. On top of working on my art projects and 01AD I am currently establishing MMS2 a project space devoted to showcasing art projects by established and emerging artists. In the coming year art by young artists will be put into a context of art history and juxtaposed against works of artists such as: On Kawara, Roman Opalka, Giovanni Anselmo or Bethan Huws.
Laocoon Group, 2013, site specific installation: concrete, dimensions variable by Michal Martychowiec
What made you want to set up the alumni group in Berlin? How do you hope it will pan out?
Ive been receiving several newsletters about drinks and meetings of alumni organised by groups around the world, and when checked I was quite surprised to find out there is no group in Berlin. I imagine there is a large community of alumni here and it would be rather nice to find a way to interact and meet. The agenda for the group is rather open, it really depends on the people but I am hoping it to enable making new connections which can then flourish both socially and professionally.
Where Does Your Heart Belong, from series the daily questions, 2014, neon. By Michal Martychowiec