Dingolay: painting without limitations

In Trinidad and Tobago, “dingolay” refers to any activity undertaken with spontaneous, joyful, and carefree abandon. It assumes a disposition of pride, an absence of calculated or cautious self-awareness, a desire to be provocative (but not offensively so), and results in the freedom conferred by an intent focus on the inner logic of the activity—whether dance or music. In all senses of the word, it requires one to give oneself entirely to the activity and in such a way that onlookers are either drawn into the activity themselves or judge it as evidence of madness. Originating from the French colonial heritage of the twin islands, it refers most literally to that which is flung about in a crazy or carefree fashion.1 Through the music and movement of Carnival, participants will explore painting without a plan’s limitations. Understanding that the practice of painting is serious, Curtis invites participants to be liberated in their approach, explore the unknown and create a divergent body of work.
Participants are invited to bring works in progress or undertake new works relevant to their current practice. They can bring materials from their studios but also reclaimed items for inspiration or incorporation into their work in class. Curtis is adept at integrating found items into his work and encourages participants to utilize various media in the painting process. The Dingolay approach may be applied to either figuration or abstraction, whichever is part of the practice.


Participants will also be invited to contribute to a collaborative painting as part of the class. When their work becomes rigid or stuck, they will go to the canvas and free-form paint. This collaborative artwork will become costumes for a planned dance party as part of the open studios.

Course leader

Curtis Talwst Santiago

Target group

Anyone with interest in Drawing / Painting / Sculpture.
All skill levels are welcome. The class will feature daily musical selections, and participants will be expected to participate in expressive movement activities.

Course aim

During the two-week course, we will collaborate to foster an exchange of ideas and hold regular group and individual feedback sessions.

Fee info

EUR 100: Participation Fee
The fees consist of the enrolment charge of € 100.– (non-refundable) and a course fee which varies according to the length of the course. Students are entitled to the reduced fee on production of a valid confirmation of enrolment at an educational institution for the 2024 summer term as well as SN-Card-holders and members of the Society of Friends of the Summer Academy.

Costs for material used in the courses are not included in the participation fee, and will be charged separately at the beginning of the course.

On acceptance, the enrolment charge of € 100.– should be paid immediately. The course fee must be entered in the Summer Academy account by 30 June 2024.


Payments will be accepted using the following credit cards: Mastercard and Visa
EUR 670: 670 Euro (reduced 495 Euro)

Scholarships

https://www.summeracademy.at/en/studies/scholarships/