MY STUDENT TRAINEESHIP IN LISBON
Sofija Rakidžić
As a PhD student specializing in Wall Painting at the Faculty of Applied Arts, University of Arts in Belgrade, I had the valuable opportunity to undertake a 2.5 month Erasmus+ traineeship at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon (Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa). While my doctoral research focuses on the traditional wall painting technique of sgraffito, my traineeship was dedicated to the exploration of glass art, a medium both technically and conceptually distinct from my usual practice.
My motivation to participate in this traineeship arose from a desire to engage with new materials and artistic methods, broadening my creative and scholarly horizons. The interdisciplinary nature of this experience allowed me to draw connections between my academic research and the innovative processes of glass art, fostering a deeper understanding of materiality and artistic expression.
During my stay at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon, I was welcomed into the Glass Studio, where I had the privilege to work alongside experienced professors, technicians, and fellow interns. Under the mentorship of Professor Fernando Quintas, and supported by the dedicated team including Pedro Fernandes, Rose Magee, Christina Milidoni, and Fotini Tzimouli, I gained hands-on experience with various glass art techniques such as glass fusing – kiln firing techniques including slumping and casting, as well as cold working techniques.
The traineeship significantly enriched my academic profile by exposing me to new materials and techniques that broadened my artistic practice beyond wall painting. The collaborative atmosphere of the studio, combined with the expert guidance I received, was instrumental in expanding my artistic vocabulary. Additionally, I contributed to teaching activities by assisting students and participating in workshops, which enhanced my pedagogical skills and deepened my understanding of educational methodologies within a different cultural context.
This experience encouraged me to adopt an interdisciplinary approach, considering how principles from glass art might inspire aspects of my PhD research on the sgraffito painting technique, such as layering, translucency, and texture. Moreover, I refined my teaching approach by observing and engaging with diverse educational models, emphasizing the value of hands-on experimentation and open dialogue in art education. Organizing the sgraffito workshop at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon further highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge across universities and countries, reinforcing the benefits of international academic exchange.
In addition, living in Lisbon provided me with a unique opportunity to immerse myself in Portuguese culture, history, and everyday life. Beyond the academic environment, I explored Lisbon and its surroundings, experiencing local traditions, cuisine, and meeting people from various backgrounds. Thanks to the collaborative spirit of the other Erasmus+ trainees at the Faculty, I also had the opportunity to engage with Lisbon’s contemporary art scene and became a part of it by the end of my traineeship, culminating in a group exhibition at the Mono Cultural Centre.
Overall, my Erasmus+ traineeship at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon was an inspiring and transformative experience. It expanded my technical expertise, enriched my academic research, and deepened my cultural awareness. I believe this traineeship has equipped me with new perspectives and skills that will enhance both my creative work and my future role as an educator and researcher. Looking forward, I am excited to integrate the knowledge and experiences gained during this traineeship into my PhD research and artistic practice. I also look forward to fostering further exchanges between the Faculty of Applied Arts in Belgrade and the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon.
