Areum - ENSAV – La Cambre

I did the Master 1 in Book and Paper Design at the École nationale supérieure des arts visuels de La Cambre. For me, the course was a dense, demanding and immensely rewarding experience. Not only did it enable me to develop the skills I was looking to develop - particularly in bookbinding, volume and book structures - but it also gave me access to unexpected experiences that broadened my creative horizons.

For example, I was able to take part in a workshop with the artist Elsa Werth, which focused on the economy. It was a rare opportunity to tackle social issues as an art student, and to question the value systems that surround our practices. This questioning continued in a seminar on the Anthropocene, where ecology and the notion of responsibility became central themes. These intersections led me to discover the work of Donna Haraway, “Staying with the Trouble”, whose ideas resonated deeply with my artistic and theoretical research.

I also had the opportunity to co-organise an exhibition in a Brussels bookshop, which enabled me to think about the book object in the context of exhibition and distribution. Among the theoretical courses offered, the anthropology course made a particularly strong impression on me: it gave me food for thought about the book as a cultural, social and sensitive medium, and gave me new tools with which to think about my practice.

One of the things I particularly appreciated at La Cambre was the opportunity to work late into the evening, thanks to the studio's night-time sessions. These quiet moments, until 9pm, allowed me to concentrate fully on my projects and to deepen my relationship with materials and gestures. I made the most of them throughout the year.

Outside school, I discovered a lively and accessible artistic landscape in Brussels. Every weekend, I went with friends to exhibitions, performances, fairs and plays. It was a chance to immerse myself in a variety of contemporary art forms, and to feel the pulse of a constantly effervescent scene.

On a personal level, this year has given me an essential space for reflection: I've been able to question what I really want to pursue as an artist and designer, and to refine my life choices. Away from my usual environment, I've learnt to slow down, to listen more deeply to what materials and gestures have to say, and to envisage my future with greater clarity and serenity.

To those who are thinking of applying for a Master IN - WBI scholarship, I would say this: Go for it. It's a precious opportunity to cross-fertilise knowledge, cultures and inspiring people. An experience that transforms as much as it enriches.