Identities in Transformation

OffCourse Identities in Transformation (2025/2026) focuses on the students themselves. The project explores personal and vulnerable struggles and raises life questions that often arise at this stage of life—such as shame, nostalgia, loss, and loneliness—showing how creativity can become a form of healing. Students use their own experiences as the starting point for this OffCourse.

Way of working

The OffCourse started by creating a sense of safety in the classroom through ‘model-in-movement’ classes, where students work on the floor with colored crayons, large format paper and collages. This approach offers a sense of freedom and safety, recalling the playfulness of childhood and the kindergarten days. From there, the students began to share their problems with classmates and research by a step-by-step plan began.

Following up, the students researched and explored their subject and evaluated how to translate their subjects towards visual concepts. A key research question is What happens in my head and body when I experience discomfort; fears; worries. And how can I make that clear to others? - Besides this extremely personal approach, students were challenged to broaden their topics and make it accessible for a wider audience as well.

Students develop ideas by building physical scenes that represent their personal theme. These scenes function as metaphors for what they are experiencing. They photograph their installations and project the images in different ways to explore new perspectives. This process helps them shape and refine ideas for their final work. Throughout, students are encouraged to work in an experimental and playful manner.

Results

The final works are used to open conversations with family members and relatives, helping to create understanding and recognition. These exchanges have led to very positive responses. Sharing, talking and opening the floor to conversation through visual guidance: to heal - and get recognition for – the students’ struggles.

Colofon

Xandra Donders, lecturer

Dagra van der Wekken - ‘How to be a rug’
Dewi Joy Scholte - Self-image
Elles Molenaar - Masking/ sheddin’g
Isa Holzhausen - Angst te spreken
Kamil Teunissen - “Shame surrounding self-care”
Kyra van der Schaaf - Verlies
Natáli Svábová - Body image/ idealiste body shape
Roxy Doornbos - Prep
Sophie Jassies - Small Repairs; Creative Healing
Suyao Jiang - Loneliness
Suzanne Pruiksma - Nostalgica
Toni Mante - Connection
Winneke Wielink- The Skin
Zombie Hansoti - Having a conversation with yourself