Review / Masterclass Liesbet Bussche & Margit Didelez: An image of an artist

After a short introduction, Margit Didelez gave a talk on the representation and profiling of the artist himself via a series of self-portraits throughout history. The participants were encouraged to interact with Margit Didelez during this well-illustrated and full-bodied presentation.

Incorporating the substantial amount of information they just received, the students started with their first assignment given by Liesbet Bussche. They were to choose five portraits of a person they look up to. Based on the complete image of those portraits – with special attention paid to their pose, expression, composition and lighting – the participants were to independently make their own portrait. Since the time frame for this assignment was a single afternoon, the participants had to decide what to do quickly, and find creative solutions to the technical difficulties they faced.

The next day started with a discussion of the individual portraits. The participants gained insight into the choices they made to create their image. Margit Didelez gave another significant talk on the artist in his workspace. She started with the first portraits of artists depicted in their workspace and gradually discussed contemporary images, while the participants could comment on this information.

After the talk, Liesbet Bussche explained the second assignment. This time the participants were to form three (self-)portraits. The first portrait should show themselves (the artist) in their own studio, the second should depict only the workspace itself, and the third had to show the artist in another location. These three images were to somehow reference the theoretical foundation that had been established that morning – and express questions like ‘How do I see myself as an artist?’ and ‘What do I need to present myself as an artist?’.

On the third day of the masterclass, the results of the day before were not shown, but briefly discussed to avoid any visual influences on the next assignment. The participants were to create another three portraits but instead of making self-portraits, this time they paired up and portrayed each other. To generate sufficient background about each artist, the participants started with an interview.
Based upon this information, the portraying participant had to make a portrait of the artist-participant in his studio, a portrait of the studio, and one of the artist in another location. This assignment set new challenges for the participants, as they needed to feature their work through themselves in the interview.

The following day began with a discussion of the portraits of the previous days. Using the means at hand, all participants had worked hard to create an identity for themselves and for one of their fellow students through the three portraits. The media the participants used to form the portraits ranged from photography and collage to painting and even 3D work in the shape of a mask, enhancing their expression. By reflecting upon the concept and result of the portraits, the participants gained awareness of the influence of their appearance.
Margit Didelez gave an extensive talk, supported by numerous images, on the representation of artists by means of a group portrait throughout history. During the talk, participants were encouraged to ask questions and share their observations.

Liesbet Bussche went on to explain the final assignment of this masterclass – to create a group portrait to be used for a group exhibition. Participants were split up in groups of 3 or 4, regardless of their discipline. Keeping their previous experiences in mind, they searched for common ground to base their portrait on, while keeping their individual identity.

Once this final portrait had been formed, the participants built a modest presentation of all the portraits they produced during this masterclass. Although the group portraits had not been discussed beforehand, all the work was displayed in order to learn as much as possible from each other. Each participant had a chance to explain their challenges and their highlights, their expectations and the outcome.

The goals of this masterclass are tightly linked with the objectives of ‘Afterschool’, the research project of St Lucas Antwerp, as both focus on the strengthening of a postgraduate practice. By combining a substantial theoretical background of artists’ portraits in various ways (i.e. self-portrait, by others or in group) and a practical approach, the participants had the opportunity to perceive the influence that lies in the identity they create of themselves as an artist, and how to guide this image by means of their portrait.

Text: Broes van Iterson