"To do something new you have to get out of your comfort zone - creativity, is synonymous with freedom of expression and it is from free minds that you have to let yourself be inspired, to discover the world and life. "
Kimberly Fabbri studied Art and Design Management MA at METU. She explores and understands the world through a creative eye, listening to the needs of society and presenting the voice of society through unique and intimate forms of expression. In the future, she would like to work as an international curator, inspired by her dual citizenship, to bring Hungarian and Italian cultures closer together.
Why did you choose this field, this major and what inspires you?
Since I was a child, I remember having had a passion for art. I approached it first in a practical way, through drawing and painting, then on a conceptual level. Over time I have nurtured the desire to become part of the great artistic machine, which, in recent years, has become increasingly internationalized. Studying Art and Design management means for me to understand the world from a creative point of view, to listen to the needs of society and the voice of society through unique and intimate forms of expression. Studying Art and Design Management at an international university allowed me to broaden my mental barriers and stimulate my mind. In my class we were five boys from five different countries - the debates were exciting and allowed me to grow on a human and professional level. When it comes to art today, internationality is fundamental. What inspires me? All I see around me. Observe people, try to understand their thinking and the way they interact with others. In Budapest, what inspired me were the long walks through the streets of the city, discovering a new world for me.
What were your favorite projects at METU and why?
Most of my classroom activities have been projects. I particularly loved three projects/activities closely related to the contemporary. The first was a 2 full-day workshop: the class was on Creative thinking. We dwelt on philosophical debates and gave vent to our thoughts without judgment. It was nice to note how, even in international classes, when it comes to values, and ideas, every difference is thinned and many points in common emerge. The second project was related to a contemporary design program - we had to implement the plan for an exhibition related to an ethnic minority marginalized and without official representation by the institutions: it was a challenge that gave us several foods for thought. I also remember the realization of a project on sustainability issues: understanding how important it is for all of us nowadays to dwell on sustainability has been truly educational. In general, to see how much in terms of art the ethical factor has inserted itself in artistic production was a nice surprise, a fundamental starting point in the evaluation of various artistic productions.
What was your diploma work and why did you choose this topic?
For my Diploma, I chose to apply for an individual research plan: the title of my thesis was "Art Consumed on Social Media and the Myth of the Contemporary Artist". The emphasis is placed on the idea of online consumption, intended as a fruition. Supported by an interdisciplinary research method, the thesis tried to unhinge the motivations that push ordinary people (including non-art lovers) to share contemporary art online and I tried to define the identikit of the contemporary artist who exploits - or enjoys the effects of social media to amplify his image and consequently the value of his works. The choice of this thesis topic of mine was born in response to the attitudes of people close to me, who often expressed themselves like this about contemporary works of art: "But is it art? I could have done it too" - yet, these same people are preparing to photograph certain works to publish them online on their profiles unaware of the value of the work itself. These mechanisms of unconscious consumption have troubled me, which is why I have tried to respond to this attitude.
What did METU contribute to your professional development?
My commitment to my studies was supported by a scholarship for merit. Furthermore, the possibility of dialogue with teachers has been a factor in personal and professional growth - a peaceful environment when it comes to studying is a great added value to one's training path.
What does METU’s credo “Inspired by Creativity” mean to you?
To do something new you have to get out of your comfort zone - creativity, it is synonymous with freedom of expression and it is from free minds that you have to let yourself be inspired, to discover the world and life.
What would you say to those who want to apply to a university, why choose METU?
My advice is to be "inspired"- if you are looking for a stimulating and international environment this is the place. There are students from all over the world, this is the place to create fantastic connections.
What are your plans for the future?
I would like to work as an international curator. My dual origins, Italian and Hungarian, have been a source of stimulus for me - I would like to bring my cultures together and communicate them. Currently, I have started collaborating with an art gallery in Washington - since I discovered the stimuli offered by a creative international environment, one thing is certain: I don't want to do without it anymore!
Take your next step at METU’s bachelor's program – get to know our Art and Design Management MA program!