Fantastic Machine

Exhibition of Fantastic Machine project in Eibar

Posted in Exhibitions and publications, News, News EN

Fantastic Machine is a project launched by the Photography Department at IDarte. Its aim is to collaborate with various art education institutions to develop an experimental methodology based on image, movement, and sound.

During the 2024–2025 academic year, the schools IDarte, IES Eibar, EASD-AGDE Iruña, and IES Llanes took part in the project. The work uses as its starting point NASA’s 1977 Voyager mission—an initiative to establish contact between humans and extraterrestrial life. Inspired by the film Fantastic Machine by Axel Danielson and Maximilien Van Aertryck, the project partially mirrors NASA’s mission and invites students to send greetings from Earth to possible extraterrestrial beings.

To that end, students engaged in both individual and group work, with each class producing a set of 116 photographs. And not just images—students also created a sound archive. After this initial phase, the collected visual and audio materials from each school were shared and remixed to create videos that, through audiovisual storytelling, bring a unique and meaningful narrative to life using this collage of sounds and images.

But how did we encourage students to engage with such a mission? We asked them the following questions: What can I contribute through my gaze in front of another’s eyes? How do I want to represent the world I live in? How do I want it to be seen from the outside? And in the society I inhabit, how do I want it to be?

It’s worth noting that in 1977 the Voyager probe decided not to send any images or sounds that depicted horror or violence from Earth. Of course, in our project, we chose not to impose similar limits—encouraging students to freely experiment and express themselves artistically.

Once the project was completed, we were invited by IES Eibar to include Fantastic Machine in their annual exhibition at Sala Museo del Portal de Eibar (C/Bista-Eder, 10). The exhibition will feature all student works and will be open to the public from April 4th to 27thTuesday to Sunday6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

  • Location
    • ·  Sala Museo del Portal de Eibar, Portalea Kultur Etxea. Bista-Eder Kalea, 10, 20600 Eibar, Gipuzkoa
  • Opening hours
    • ·  April 4 – 27 → 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Tuesday to Sunday
Ikasle bat Fantastic Machine proiektuan parte hartzen, argazki kamera baten bidez ikuspegi sortzailea harrapatzen.
Fantastic Machine proiektuko ikus-entzunezko narrazioa pantaila handi batean erakusten, argazkien eta soinuen arteko elkarrizketa sortuz.
Fantastic Machine erakusketako prestaketa Eibarko Portaleko Museo Aretoan, ikasleen lanak hormetan jartzen.
Ikasle talde bat soinu artxibo esperimental bat grabatzen estudio batean, Fantastic Machine proiektuaren testuinguruan.
Ikasleek beren lanak erakusten eta saltzen dituzten azoka txiki baten ikuspegia.

Talentu Gazteak: Creativity and Talent at IDarte

Posted in Exhibitions and publications, News EN

The Talentu Gazteak event was a unique experience at IDarte, where students from all specialities shared their projects developed throughout the year. It was a space for students and teachers to come together and reflect on the challenges that have shaped this academic year.

During the event, students presented their work, explaining their creative processes, methodologies, and the knowledge they had gained. From innovative design proposals to artistic expressions in various disciplines, Talentu Gazteak became a true showcase of talent and dedication.

These were the projects presented:

Zaramaga Project: Serpentine Paths

  • 1st year Interior Design and Graphic Design

San Francisco de Zaramaga Church: Memory Project

  • 3rd year Interior Design

Fanzine Presentations

  • 2nd year Illustration

KuBO23 Animation Project

  • 2nd year Animation

Jose Uruñuela Dance School and Zamak Garama Projects

  • 2nd year Photography

Reinterpretation of a Historical Photograph

  • 1st year Photography

Signage, Digital Typography, and Programming Projects

  • 3rd year Graphic Design

In addition, a student-organized market took place on Friday and Saturday, where they showcased and sold their work. This initiative not only gave visibility to their creations but also provided them with the opportunity to engage with the public and experience the process of marketing their pieces firsthand.

At IDarte, we believe in the importance of creating spaces for exchange and learning, fostering creativity, collaboration, and the professional growth of our students.

A student sharing their creative work at the Talentu Gazteak event.
A display of various artistic and design projects created by students
tudent-organized market on Friday and Saturday, where they sell their work
A view of the student-organized market, where artworks and designs are displayed and sold
Darteko ikaslea kolodioi hezearen teknika lantzen argazkigintza historikoko tailerrean.

Wet Collodion and Daguerreotype Workshop with Jon Andoni at IDarte

Posted in Lectures, conferences and workshops, News EN

At IDarte, we love exploring the history of photography and offering unique experiences to our students. That’s why we were lucky to have Jon Andoni Martin, a true master of ancient techniques, guide us through the fascinating world of wet collodion and daguerreotype. These two 19th-century processes are mastered by very few people today.

It’s not every day that you get the chance to experiment with these techniques, as they require specific materials, great precision, and highly specialized knowledge. However, this two-day workshop allowed our photography students to explore these processes up close and experience photography in a completely different way.

On the first day, they worked with wet collodion, a technique from 1851 that requires speed and accuracy. From preparing the emulsion to developing images on glass or metal plates, the students experimented with this process and created portraits with a unique character and stunning aesthetics.

On the second day, they traveled even further back in time with daguerreotype, the first commercial photographic method. They worked with silver-plated copper plates and iodine and mercury vapors to create images with spectacular sharpness and a distinctive shine that makes them look like tiny windows to the past.

This workshop was an unforgettable experience. In a world dominated by digital photography, discovering the patience and artistry required for these processes makes us appreciate photography even more as a form of artistic expression. Thank you to Jon Andoni for sharing his knowledge and passion, and to our students for diving into this adventure with enthusiasm.

Dagerrotipoaren errebelatze prozesua IDarteko tailerrean, bere distira espezifikoarekin
Wet collodion portrait created by an IDarte student, showcasing its unique and timeless aesthetics
IDarte student applying wet collodion on a plate during the historical photography workshop.
Placa de daguerrotipo capturando una imagen con su brillo característico en el taller de IDarte.
Daguerreotype plate capturing an image with its characteristic shine during the IDarte workshop
Jon Andoni Martin explaining the daguerreotype process to IDarte students during the workshop

Darteko argazkigintzako ikasleek Mendizabalako ikasleen makillaje eta ile-apainketa lanak erretratatzen

IDarte and Mendizabala: Merging Talent and Learning in a Photographic Collaboration

Posted in News, News EN

Collaboration and creativity were the foundation of a recent project between IDarte and the Mendizabala Centre. In this initiative, our first- and second-year Photography students joined forces with students from Mendizabala’s Styling and Hairdressing Management and Aesthetics and Beauty programs, combining their talent and dedication to create a visually striking body of work.

This project provided a unique opportunity for students from both schools to apply their skills in a professional setting. IDarte’s photography students captured a series of portraits showcasing the make-up, hairstyling, and fashion creations of the Mendizabala students, producing images with a strong visual and artistic impact.

The photo sessions took place in various locations within our school, including the studio, the church, and other carefully selected spaces that enhanced the atmosphere of each shot. Additionally, the creative process was documented through a behind-the-scenes session, capturing the teamwork, dedication, and synergy that made this collaboration so special.

This experience allowed students from both institutions to immerse themselves in a real-world workflow, where communication and collaboration played a crucial role in bringing the project to life.

At IDarte, we want to congratulate all the participants for their talent and dedication—the results have been truly outstanding. Congratulations!

Photographers

1st Year:

  • Behind-the-scenes photos and editing: Jone Carbajosa, Lucia Flores, Ane Machicote, and Garoa Zubikarai.

2nd Year:

  • Church: Markel Ruiz & Aitziber Lekerika.
  • Studio: Ana Aragón.
  • Assistance and organization: Izaro Perez, Irati Mancisidor, Carlota Santamaria, and Naroa Reinoso.
  • Editing: Markel Ruiz, Aitziber Lekerika, Ana Aragón, Izaro Perez, Irati Mancisidor, Carlota Santamaria, and Naroa Reinoso.
IDarte eta Mendizabala lankidetza

diseinua-artearen-bidez-oteiza-museoa

Discovering Design through Art: Our collaboration with the Oteiza Museum

Posted in Exhibitions and publications, News EN

At IDarte, we are committed to hands-on learning and bridging the gap between education and the professional world. This year, we had the unique opportunity to collaborate with the Oteiza Museum on a special project. This initiative emerged within the first-year course Science Applied to Design, led by Professor Aitor Axpe, and is part of the Interior Design and Graphic Design degree programs. The project aimed to explore design from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Throughout the course, students engaged with fundamental concepts such as measurement, proportion, symbology, symmetry, fractal structures, and form. More than abstract theories, these elements were approached as essential tools for any designer. First, students learned how to apply them, and then they analyzed how great designers throughout history have incorporated them into their work. One of the most enlightening moments was realizing that these tools, despite their ancient origins, remain crucial in contemporary design.

Each unit concluded with the development of an individual or group project, allowing students to put their knowledge into practice. As a final challenge, they worked on a project inspired by a major architectural landmark: the main façade of the Sanctuary of Arantzazu.

The choice of this theme was no coincidence. It represents an innovative design that defied conventions in its time, a result of cooperative and multidisciplinary work—perfectly aligning with our approach to design education. Additionally, it provided an invaluable opportunity to appreciate our cultural heritage and explore the legacy of designers from our own region.

This experience has been enriching in every way. Our collaboration with the Oteiza Museum has expanded our perspectives and fostered a valuable network of shared knowledge between both institutions. The final feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: our students enjoyed the process, learned in a hands-on manner, and discovered new ways of perceiving design through art. Without a doubt, this partnership has left us eager to continue exploring and learning together.

IDarte students collaborating with the Oteiza Museum
design-art-oteiza-museum.
collaboration-idarte-oteiza-museum
idarte-students-design-project
arantzazu-sanctuary-design-project

IDarte Teachers Train in CNC Cutting for Artistic Projects

Posted in Lectures, conferences and workshops, News, News EN

This week, several of our teachers have received specialized training in using the CNC wood-cutting machine, a technological tool that opens up endless possibilities for artistic and design projects. IDarte has a workshop equipped with professional-grade machines, allowing our students to bring their creative visions to life in innovative ways. This in-house training marks a significant step in modernizing our teaching methodologies and integrating new technologies into the classroom.

Teacher training in CNC machine operation is essential, as it not only helps them understand its functions and applications but also enables them to better guide students in executing their projects. With well-trained instructors, we ensure the safe and effective use of CNC technology, maximizing its potential for developing both technical and creative skills.

The CNC cutting machine offers millimeter precision on materials like wood, making it ideal for creating artworks, furniture, stage designs, models, and custom pieces. Additionally, it allows students to familiarize themselves with tools commonly used in creative and manufacturing industries, better preparing them for their professional futures.

At IDarte, we remain committed to innovation and the growth of our educational community by integrating advanced technologies into our arts and design programs.

IDarte teachers practicing CNC wood-cutting techniques in the workshop.
IDarte teachers practicing CNC wood-cutting techniques in the workshop.
IDarteko eskolako ikasleek Gasteizko Zaramagako Amurrio kalea margotzen

Intervention by our IDarte students in Zaramaga: Snaking Path

Posted in News, News EN

For the second consecutive year, our first-year students at IDarte have once again taken their creativity to the streets of Vitoria-Gasteiz. This time, they have intervened in the park on Amurrio Street, in the Zaramaga neighborhood, turning its dark pavement into a vibrant work of art.

This initiative is part of the collaboration agreement between the City Hall and our school, which last year resulted in the rehabilitation of 10 disused telephone booths. This year, the project focused on revitalizing the Amurrio Street park, bringing a touch of color and dynamism to the urban space.

The Interior Design and Graphic Design students immersed themselves in the neighborhood to learn about its environment, history, and cultural significance. Inspired by the unique character of Zaramaga, they began designing their intervention proposal in October. Based on the concept of tactical urbanism, they developed various designs to transform the pavement of Amurrio Street.

Divided into groups, around 90 students explored the neighborhood’s architecture, urban furniture, and distinctive elements, analyzing various geometric shapes. Using these shapes, they created different visual sequences that reflect the identity of the neighborhood, selecting the most representative forms and colors to create a collective work. Together, they selected the shapes and colors that best fit the neighborhood’s urban landscape. After the conceptual and collaborative planning phase, the designs were brought to life in the field.

Through teamwork, this collective effort has been enriching not only in its final result but, above all, in the creative process. Our students have left a lasting mark on Zaramaga, engaging with the local community for two weeks and crafting a new, winding path in this vibrant area of Gasteiz.

We warmly invite the community to visit the park and experience this unique artistic intervention that showcases the talent and dedication of our students. This type of project not only enhances our city but also strengthens the connection between art and the community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Hall for allowing us to carry out a real project in the city and to the 3 de Marzo Association for their valuable support in sharing information with our students.

Our Photography Students on the Set of Paul Urkijo’s Gaua: A First-Person Cinematic Experience

Posted in News, News EN

f there’s one director who knows how to bring Basque mythology to the big screen, it’s Paul Urkijo. After captivating us with Errementari and Irati, the Alava-born filmmaker once again dives into the world of legends with his latest film, Gaua. And the best part? Our students had the incredible opportunity to experience it firsthand, witnessing the magic of filmmaking up close!

Behind the Scenes with Our Students

For any cinema enthusiast, being on a film set is a dream come true. Our students had the chance to observe the entire process—from scene preparation to lighting, cameras, and action—gaining a deeper understanding of the art of cinematic storytelling and the diverse roles that bring a film to life.

A Commitment to Basque-Language Cinema

Beyond its fascinating storyline, Gaua stands out as a production entirely in Basque, reinforcing Paul Urkijo’s dedication to preserving and promoting Basque culture through film. The project is backed by production companies such as Irusoin and Ikusgarri Films, with distribution by Filmax and support from institutions like EiTB, RTVE, and the Basque Government.

Though we still have to wait for Gaua’s official release, everything we’ve seen so far—and the unique experience our students had on set—suggests that an enchanting, tradition-rooted story awaits.

In the meantime, we cherish the privilege of having witnessed the birth of this new gem of Basque cinema. Let the countdown to Gaua begin!

Gaua Paul Urkijoren pelicula
Errementari eta Iratiren zuzendaria
IDarteko ikasleak Paul Urkijorekin
Monstruo Rosa libro

Apila Ediciones visits IDarte with its travelling exhibition and a talk-workshop

Posted in Exhibitions and publications, Lectures, conferences and workshops, News, News EN

For the next two weeks, until 7 February, we will host an exhibition created by the publishing house Apila, titled “APILA PRIMERA EDICIÓN”. This exhibition, displayed in the showcase at the entrance of the school, features the winners of the Apila First Printing Award, which has been held annually since 2013. If you visit with a teacher, you’ll have the opportunity to browse the books on site.

Additionally, on 7 February at 10:15 am, Edu Flores and Raquel Garrido will join us as part of the IDarte Fest to give a talk-workshop titled “Illustrating, designing, and publishing a picture book.”

Founded in 2007, Apila Ediciones has published over 100 illustrated books. One of its primary goals is to promote and showcase the work of emerging illustrators. From this mission, the idea for the Apila First Printing Award was born in 2013, aimed at recognizing the best children’s book by a new illustrator. This award seeks to provide a platform for emerging artists as they enter the competitive world of professional illustration, offering them the opportunity to see their work published. The prize involves publishing a picture book open to illustrators of any nationality, provided they haven’t previously published work in this genre.

Since its inception, the Apila First Printing Award has grown in prestige, becoming an international benchmark for young, aspiring illustrators. If you’d like to participate in the 2025 competition (submission deadline: 16 February), you can find more information at the following link:
Premio Apila Primera impresión 2025 Award

We encourage you to visit the exhibition and join the talk-workshop with Edu and Raquel!

MONEDITA
ilustrazioak
El señor Melchor odia a los perros liburua
And Arthur Waits liburua
iF Design Award

iF Design Student Award will take place in Bilbao in June 2025

Posted in Lectures, conferences and workshops, News, News EN

The iF Design Student Award 2025 event will be held in Bilbao next June at the Guggenheim Museum. Organised by EIDE and iF Design, the event will bring together 300 students from 20 countries during the awards ceremony in Bilbao. In fact, there will be several talks and workshops during these days.

Every year, around 10,000 people submit their projects to this contest, where the main focus of all the proposals is the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, this year, one of our IDarte teachers, Iker Etxaburu, will be part of the jury for these awards.

Below, you will find two links where you will find the conditions to participate in the iF Design Student Awards.

iF Design Student Award

Terms and conditions of entries

  • · Who can participate?
  • If you are a student or recent graduate.
  • · What do I have to submit?
  • A one-page DinA1 digital poster presenting the project (Attention! Check the requirements in our profile).
  • · What kind of project does it have to be?
  • A project related to the SDGs and design.

What are you waiting for? 5 February is the closing date for entries!

if design 2025
if design event
If design jury

Consulting-Workshop with our dutch friends

Posted in News, News EN

Similar to last year, on May 20, 2024, we have been visited by students from Alfa-college in Groningen, and their teachers, Anita van Hofslot, Selma Kindermans and Bert Huitsing. 

They have participated in a collaborative workshop, helping the students of Projects and Construction of the second year of Interior Design to develop our Ideas Project for La Perrera-Konekta institution. 

Thank you for your visit and interaction.

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