Düsseldorf Academy
History
The Düsseldorf Academy, officially known as the Düsseldorf Art Academy, is a renowned art school located in Düsseldorf, Germany. Founded in 1762, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious art academies in the world.
The academy was established by Lambert Krahe, a painter and art collector, who was appointed as the director of the academy. Under his leadership, the academy initially focused on the teaching of drawing and painting, with an emphasis on the Baroque style. The academy's early years were marked by a strict academic approach, with a strong focus on the technical aspects of art.
In the 19th century, the Düsseldorf Academy became a major center for the Düsseldorf School of Painting, which was characterized by detailed, realistic and often romantic landscapes and genre scenes. This period saw the academy attracting students from all over the world, including many from the United States.
The 20th century brought significant changes to the academy. In the post-World War II era, the academy shifted its focus to modern and contemporary art, embracing a wide range of artistic disciplines including sculpture, photography, video art, and conceptual art.
Curriculum
The Düsseldorf Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of artistic disciplines. The academy's curriculum is divided into several departments, each focusing on a specific discipline.
The Painting Department offers courses in traditional and contemporary painting techniques, with an emphasis on individual artistic development. The Sculpture Department focuses on three-dimensional art, teaching students the technical skills needed to create sculptures in a variety of materials.
The academy also has a Photography Department, which covers both traditional and digital photography, and a Video Art Department, which explores the use of moving images in art. The Conceptual Art Department encourages students to challenge traditional notions of art and to explore new forms of artistic expression.
In addition to these departments, the academy also offers courses in art theory and history, providing students with a solid theoretical foundation to support their practical work.
Admissions
Admission to the Düsseldorf Academy is highly competitive, with the academy receiving many more applications than it has places available. The admission process involves a review of the applicant's portfolio, as well as an interview.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a high level of artistic skill, as well as a strong commitment to their chosen discipline. The academy places a strong emphasis on individual artistic development, and applicants are expected to show a clear vision for their own artistic practice.
Notable Alumni
The Düsseldorf Academy has produced many notable alumni over the years. These include Andreas Achenbach, a leading figure of the Düsseldorf School of Painting, and Joseph Beuys, a pioneering figure in the field of conceptual art.
Other notable alumni include Gerhard Richter, one of the most important contemporary artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, and Sigmar Polke, a leading figure in the post-war German art scene.