Art and Train: A class about art in the railway context

About

"Art and Train" is a class merging theory and practice, held on campus and on actual trains, guiding
students and young professionals in creating public art at one subway stations in Berlin and at a former train station in Brandenburg.

The immersive class combines theoretical exploration with practical engagement in collaboration with Deutsche Bahn (DB), Berlin's subway organization BVG and Herzberg town hall. Who creates art within the railway context and for whom it is intended?

The course comprises theory, field research, and group exhibitions. Through these elements, students investigate the aesthetics of train travel and the untapped art potential of disused railway architecture. Additionally, students engage with railway employees.

Students discuss relevant texts like "The Railway Journey" by W. Schivelbusch and engage in field research, visiting otherworldly interlocking towers of DB (Stellwerke), disused control posts of BVG (Zugabfertigerräume) and a former train station in Herzberg, while documenting their experiences using various mediums such as text, drawing, photography, sound, and more. We explore these otherwise out of reach spaces through architectural and artistic lenses. Students also gain insights into methods of making art accessible to a wider audience and the unique approaches independent artists employ within the realm of public transport, by looking into the lecturer's long-term collaboration with DB and by meeting other creators working in the railway context.

Students extend their portfolios by collaborating for an exhibition at two U-Bahn stations in Berlin and at the former train station in Herzberg, based on the gathered input and their documentations.

Course leader

Natalia Roman

Fee info