Renato Osoy (Guatemala)

Educational background

I recently graduated with a BA in Arts from the Royal Academy of Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. Before deciding to pursue an academic degree, I worked as a visual artist in Guatemala. During this period I gradually came to realise that while I loved art, there was a lot about it which I still didn’t know; I missed a theoretical structure with which to underpin and strengthen my artistic talents. My thirst for academic knowledge soon convinced me that a Master’s in Art was the perfect way of combining theory and practice.

Why Artistic Research?

As an international student, I wanted to do an English-taught  Master’s programme in Arts. However, after searching for such a degree programme, it soon became apparent that there are very few - if any - European universities catering to an English-speaking student community and offering the sort of programme I was hoping to do. After enquiring around I eventually found out that the University of Amsterdam offered an English-taught  Research Master’s in Artistic Research.
Aside from the language, I was also attracted by the content of the programme - which is a well-balanced combination of artistic theory and art production - and the University’s excellent academic reputation. Moreover, the fact that the University is located in one of Europe’s most artistic and cosmopolitan cities, also influenced my eventual decision to study at the UvA.

Has the programme met your expectations?

Yes, definitely. As I expected the programme has turned out to be well balanced, intensive and very fast-paced. Students of the Research Master’s in Artistic Research are treated as artistic professionals from day one. Not only are we exposed to current and historical debates in the field of art, we also get to meet and learn from other, more established art professionals. Aside from the regular guest lectures given by experts in the field, the programme also has close links with institutions like the Gerrit Rietveld Academie and the Sandberg Institute, which enable us to network and share experiences with respected players in the art world. Furthermore, the programme offers participants the chance to choose elective courses in other academic disciplines, such as philosophy, the social sciences and history.

What I also really enjoy about the programme is the way it immerses you in art theory whilst at the same time implanting an academic mindset. You soon learn to appreciate the hard research skills with which the programme equips you, such as thinking structurally and systematically, being critical, internalising large quantities of information and seeing the bigger picture. In addition, the programme also arms one with other important career-skills, such as the ability to write in a coherent and methodical manner, rapidly grasp abstract and complex issues, and think outside of the box. All of these skills have in turn also helped strengthen my self-confidence and softer skills: like giving presentations to large groups, participating in class discussions, being self-reflective and giving reasoned critique.   

Another positive aspect of the programme is the accessibility of the lecturers, who are always open to new ideas and criticism, and truly value each and every student’s opinion. Participants are not treated as students, but as fellow artists, and are always encouraged to approach the programme lecturers for questions, assistance or even just a casual chat.  

Any other projects/extracurricular activities?

Apart from working on my own personal projects, I am also involved with an organisation in Guatemala called La Fototeca, which teaches photography and promotes photo festivals. As a practitioner of visual arts, I regularly help them organise photo exhibitions and during the summer give lectures there as well.

What do you think about the UvA/Amsterdam?

I am happy with UvA, although the logistics can be complex when you get here – enrolling can be difficult because you have to prepare a lot of things, provide a lot of documentation and make sure everything is organised. Once you’re enrolled though, everything else falls into place.

As for Amsterdam, it’s a great city. However, there is one difficult aspect about living here and that’s finding a place to stay. In Amsterdam you don’t get to live where you want, but where you can. I struggled to find accommodation in Amsterdam and eventually found an apartment via a friend of a friend. That said, I love this city. There is always a lot going on, no matter what time of the day or day of week it is. As an artist you have so much to choose from: museums, festivals, cultural events, etc. I also love the mobility and the fact that you can commute everywhere on your bike.

Plans after graduating?

Although I haven’t made a final decision, I would like to pursue a PhD and combine teaching with art production. If that plan doesn’t materialise, I’ll continue working as a visual artist.

Tips for new students?

Like I’ve already said, the Research Master’s in Artistic Research is a demanding, full-time study programme. New students are expected to work really hard, both individually and collectively, and prepare in advance for each and every class. I can’t stress enough how important it is to do all your projects and reports on time, and to actively participate in class. Not only will this help you increase your knowledge, but will also expose you to other ideas and arguments. In doing so, you will be transformed into a well-rounded art professional.