Objecthood in Expanded Field
is a programme within the Jewellery Design, Gold & Silversmithing department.
"Back to the things themselves": this bold statement captures the essence of the MA programme in object and jewellery design at PXL-MAD (Hasselt, Belgium). This academic programme concentrates on objecthood as a fundamental human dimension. Whether it’s a piece of jewellery, metalwork, an object of use, a sculpture, or a fashion accessory, objects allow us to make sense of the world. They adorn our bodies and interiors and make us feel and think about what we leave behind. Objects constitute our most profound memories and cultural heritage. That is why PXL-MAD’s MA programme addresses all the artistic, technical, and material aspects of conceptualising, making, reclaiming, and presenting objecthood in an expanded field.
Requirements
For admission to this international MA programme, applicants need to have obtained a bachelor’s degree in jewellery design, product design, interior design, architecture, or fine arts. Since English is the official language of the programme, a solid knowledge of written and spoken English is required. This knowledge can be credited either through the results of another educational programme or based on an internationally recognised B2 English diploma that covers reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
We offer a one-year Pre-Master programme that helps you prepare for and gain entry to the MA programme. An internship is a requirement only for students who have had no previous experience during their BA programme.
More information:
Admission Requirement
Application link
Image: Julia Boix-Vives, Boite à rougir
Programme
This one-year academic programme consists of 60 credits and concentrates on all the dimensions of conceiving, designing, and presenting objects. The programme is structured around three main academic clusters: studio work, critical reflection, and presentations.
Image: Dries Dockx, Do not use
Artistic Studio Practice
This cluster unfolds in a dynamic environment that balances thinking and making, and where students can explore all the artistic, plastic, material, and technical dimensions of objecthood. The spacious and luminous studios are equipped with a state-of-the-art infrastructure, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and individual workbenches.
Image: Sangdeok Han, Livestock
Critical reflection
The MA seminar consists of a series of lectures on conceptual issues. The goal is to explore conceptual landscapes that assist students in accurately and inspiringly articulating their projects. Central themes of this cluster include design history, critical thinking, and semantic proficiency, with lecturers actively collaborating with students on these topics. The critical reflection culminates in a final thesis.
The department also organises a series of Thursday Talks with designers and artists to strengthen the relationship between practice and critical reflection. Recent speakers include Helen Britton, Adi Toch, Veronica Fabian, Christopher Thompson Royds, and Marion Delarue.
Image: Poster Thursday Talk (Lecture) Adi Toch
Presentations
A central goal of the MA programme is to provide an accurate representation of how the worlds of craft, design, and art work. Presentation moments provide students with insights into the cross-pollination between reflecting, making, and writing. Therefore, the academic year includes a continuous assessment procedure: during a mid-term presentation, candidates present their work in progress and discuss their concepts and goals. Based on productive feedback and the creative search for new potentials in the students’ work, the final jury is staged as an exhibition.
Image: Artificial_Intelligems (Anneleen Swillen & Greg Scheirlinckx),
Ornamisms as presented during Visions, Ventures, and Valuables, Munich Jewellery Week 2024
Exploring Belgium
The MA programme actively integrates travelling into its academic ambitions. Belgium, at the crossroads of cultures, makes Hasselt an ideal location to blend passionate work with insights into local culture and its renowned art scene. Hasselt is a cultural hub with a focus on fashion (the Hasselt Fashion Museum) and crafts (Vaklab).
From Hasselt, you can easily take day trips to the most famous museums in Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp, where you can delight in both old and contemporary masterpieces. Additionally, you can find inspiration in the majestic landscapes of Limburg or along the North Sea.
Image: Nedda El-Asmar, Narghilé
Photo: © Delhemme
Faculty & Pedagogy
Our team includes internationally experienced professionals in the domain of object and jewellery design, theory, and curatorship. Their signature pedagogical approach relies on a specific dramaturgy of the studio: each project is approached as a workflow that is nourished with visual narratives, challenging techniques, and exciting scenographies. In this context, the teaching staff facilitates and guides a creative process where the artistic and commercial potential is explored.
Current teaching staff
Image: David Huycke, Hope & Agony
After graduation
Following the completion of your studies, this MA programme offers you the possibility to work as an independent designer or to seek employment in the world of design, fashion and education. Other possibilities include further artistic research on a doctoral level or following an educational path.
Image: Liesbet Bussche, Building Rings
