The BA program in Painting and Visual Arts acknowledges the contemporary transformations that are blurring the traditional borders between fine art disciplines today. The program reinterprets and expands the traditional academic approach to painting and visual arts by encouraging experimentation with a full array of artistic techniques and media.

This program was founded on the belief that the role of the artist is becoming more and more relevant within the world of design production and communication. Companies are recognizing that artistic expression adds value to their brand, and you’ll be able to explore this opportunity in your project work. 

On the theoretical side, you’ll gain a basic knowledge of art history, and you’ll study the dynamics and values of the contemporary art world. You’ll learn visual and aesthetic vocabularies for working with images, and explore the connection of art to its broader social context.

On the practical side, you’ll learn basic skills in painting, drawing, graphic design, video, photography, sound design, and other media—and you’ll put those skills to work in project assignments spanning a variety of environments and methods. Faculty mentors will guide you in finding your individual voice as a visual artist and charting your personal artistic path. You’ll have the chance to exhibit the artistic works you produce in class. And you’ll develop your skills in self-promotion, communication, and organization in order to gain easier access to the professional world.

The BA in Painting and Visual Arts program is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR) as a Bachelor of Arts degree (180 CFs).

* New Rome location subject to authorization by the MIUR (Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research)

FIRST YEAR

Artistic Anatomy, Drawing, Phenomenology of Contemporary Arts, Photography, History of Modern Art, Painting, and Painting Techniques and Technologies.

SECOND YEAR

History of Contemporary Art I, Painting II, Visual Arts Technique and Technologies, Video Installations, Aesthetics, Sculpture, and Public Art.

THIRD YEAR

History of Contemporary Art II, Painting III, and Cultural Anthropology

+ One optional exam between: Drawing II, Photography II, Sculpture II, and Video Installations

+ Two optional exams between: Urban Design I, History of Cinema and Video, Special Graphics Techniques, Theory and Methodology of Mass Media, and Performing Techniques for Visual Arts

PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PERSPECTIVES

Graduates of the BA in Painting and Visual Arts program will have the theoretical, technical, and practical skills to launch a career as a(n):

• Visual artist
• Illustrator
• Assistant curator
• Cultural events manager
• Assistant film director
• Filmmaker/videographer
• Cinematographer
• Sound designer
• Graphic designer
• Exhibition and set designer
• Video and audio editor
• Photography assistant