BA Fine Art students and staff from Lews Castle College Benbecula Campus have recently returned from a 3-day cultural visit to Berlin. Berlins reputation as the arts capital of Europe makes it an ideal destination for anyone with an interest in the arts. The experience has given the students a wonderful insight into to what is happening now in the ever-changing world art scene.

For student Chris Spears, highlights were “Botticelli, Bacon and Brancusi” Having recently written an essay on a particular work by Francis Bacon, Chris was thrilled to see the painting for real.

Other artists who stood out included Richard Long, Anselm Kiefer and Josephs Beuys, all of whom have work exhibited in the Hambergur Banhoff, a disused railway station dramatically converted into a contemporary art gallery.

Seeing Josephs Beuys’s work left a big impression on student Marnie Keltie: “It is stunning and it was fabulous to see works that I have studied and only seen in pictures before as well as some that I did not know about – Wrapped Cello…..it was quite emotional for me as I feel that Beuys has given me a breakthrough in my understanding of conceptual art”

The study tour is a valuable part of the students learning experience. The yearlong course is run from Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre and at Benbecula campus. With a strong environmental focus, the course encourages students to explore the creative process within the context of the distinctive Uist environment. To be transported from this rural landscape to an urban situation as diverse as Berlin proved to be a great stimulus. In terms of its history, size, architecture and art, Berlin is certainly a contrast.

“There is so much to see – not just Art but all the historical sites and iconic buildings. Not to mention the lovely crafty-type shops and the laid-back cafè culture” (Marnie Keltie). Student Grace Beaton also commented on the contrasting architecture of the city and how the history of the city is so reflected in its architecture.

Fiona Pearson, Course Leader feels strongly that students have similar experiences of exhibitions and art events as their contemporaries in mainland art colleges do. The study tour to Berlin, with its rich history and unbeatable arts scene, gave both students and staff a really worthwhile and inspirational experience although all agree that 3 days was not enough!


For details on the art courses offered by Lews Castle College please contact: Fiona Pearson or Anne Mackenzie on 01876500871 or at Fiona.pearson@lews.uhi.ac.uk