As part of our graduation series, we delve into the journeys of students who are working towards graduation and are preparing for a new chapter after graduating. Through interviews, we explore their initial ideas, research processes, and the array of emotions that come with nearing the end of their time at the academy.
For this interview, we sat down with Alicia Kemp, a 22-year-old photography major with a interest for exploring cultural diversity. Coming from Germany but currently residing in Rotterdam, Alicia's journey into the world of art commenced amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She describes her artistic practice as social, often venturing into the realm of performance alongside photography. Alicia's approach to art is characterized by a willingness to step outside her comfort zone, even though it may sometimes be intimidating. In her work she is dedicated to exploring movement, fear, and the healing power of embodiment.
Alicia Kemp by Christóbal Pereira
What's the focus of your graduation project?
"Over the past year, I've been delving into movement and dance. It's all about exploring how movement can be a form of healing, and how fear interacts with it. I'm really interested in embodied knowledge and understanding how our bodies relate to the spaces we inhabit. For my graduation project, I'm planning to incorporate interactive experiences, textiles, and photography to create an immersive project."
Why did you choose this topic?
"I've always been fascinated by body language, but it wasn't until I had a knee injury that I realized the profound impact movement has on us. So, I started researching how movement affects us, especially through photography."
How did you come up with this idea, and was it tough to choose?
"It was a bit of a struggle because I had so many interests. Graduation felt like a big milestone, and there was definitely some pressure to choose the right topic. But in the end, I decided to go with something that I'm passionate about and enjoy exploring."
Do you feel any pressure as graduation approaches?
"Yeah, there's definitely some pressure, but talking about it with my peers has helped. We're all in the same boat, and it's comforting to know that we can support each other through this process."
What are you most excited about with your project?
"I'm really looking forward to the entire process: doing research, experimenting with different ideas, and collaborating with others. And of course, I can't wait to see the final result and how people interact with it."
And what are you most nervous about?
"I guess I'm most nervous about things not going as planned. Like, if I hit a roadblock or if something doesn't work out the way I envisioned. But I know that setbacks are just part of the process."
What's the biggest change in you from your first year to now?
"When I first started, I was much more rigid in my approach. But now, I'm much more open to experimentation and going with the flow. I've also become more confident and less afraid to take risks. WdKA has been important to me to help me find my own voice as an artist. It's given me the freedom to explore different mediums and approaches, and I've really grown as a result."
How do you think your time at WdKA has prepared you for this final project?
"It's given me the skills and confidence to tackle a big project like this on my own. I've learned what works for me and what doesn't, and I think that's going to be really helpful moving forward."
And finally, what are your plans after graduation?
"I'd love to do some traveling and explore different communities through art, photography, and poetry. I'm also really interested in doing some residencies and collaborating with other artists. It's going to be an exciting journey, and I can't wait to see where it takes me."
Do you want to read more graduation interviews? Check this page!
