Nina Birri & Jonathan James
The Agency of Objects
Intensive workshop after the end of the semester, English/Deutsch, 2 SWS, 2 ECTS
Monday – Thursday, 15.-18.2.2027, each 10-18 h
Straße des 17. Juni 118, room tba

Anmeldung auf Moodle ab / Registration on Moodle begins 12.10.2026: https://moodle.udk-berlin.de/moodle/course/view.php?id=3319
Einschreibeschlüssel / Enrollment Key:agentobject

Re-working the past so it can materially and emotionally better our future is the premise of this course. Reusing and recycling the goods left behind by the dead as a memorial is both a long-standing practice of craftsmanship as well as a growing field of research for interdisciplinary artists and designers. In this course we will get to know the agency of materials and their ability to store memories and help us to transform grief and nostalgia to step into the future. Introductory case studies and examples of this practice will be presented alongside a theoretical foundation in material studies and a short lecture on grief. You will be guided to develop a methodology for re-working sentimental materials or objects into a future facing memorial. Coming from (textile) art and (fashion) design, the primary medium for this course will be textiles – garments, fabric, thread and respective craftsmanship – , however, you are welcome to bring in other techniques, ways of working and mental models from your disciplines. The course will be a mix of input, studio-based practical work and individual and group reflection. The topic of grief can be approached from a personal or societal point of view (e.g. ecological grief or grief for a future that won’t come). The course will be structured roughly according to the following process: material choice, material elaboration, find focus / concept, materialisation, final format, reflection and documentation. The main language of the course is English; questions and individual consults can be in German.

Leistungsanforderungen für den unbenoteten Schein / Fulfilment criteria for ungraded accreditation: active attendance and participation in the course; developing and demonstrating a methodology for re-working material into a new object; critical reflection and adaption of course themes on their own field of study; presentation of the processes and final product

Nina Birri is a Swiss fashion designer, living and working in Berlin. In her design practice she examines the notion of newness and grief in times of material scarcity in the context of upcycling discarded materials. Nina holds an MA in Design from Berlin University of the Arts. Aside of her fashion design practice she works as a service designer in the public sector.

Jonathan James first studied and worked in fashion before graduating with a Masters in Visual Art. He has lectured at University of Sydney and University of Newcastle. He has a Bachelors in Art Education and further education experience in museums and schools. His atelier is in Berlin where his practice focuses on material exploration.