Alumni Story: Kristina Chan, MA Print 2016

Can you describe what it’s like studying at the RCA?

Studying at the RCA was unlike anything I had experienced before. There were more seminars and lectures than you could possible attend on every topic you can image. The workshops and resources left me speechless. What I enjoyed most was the fluidity between the Programmes. It was a place of experimentation and freedom.

Have you been set any particular briefs or projects that you’ve really enjoyed working on?

The Print Programme has an edition brief, where everyone in the year comes together and decides on a theme to create an editioned box-set. We were able to come out of our individual practices and create this work together, with all of our vastly different styles coalescing into this collaborative piece, which is submitted to the Victoria and Albert Museum Collection. Each of us kept an edition as well. This is what made it special, professionally and personally. For me, it serves as a reminder of my time there, of the people I met, and all I’ve learned.

How has your work or thinking developed while you have been at the RCA?

The RCA gave me the tools I needed to articulate my ideas, conceptually and aesthetically. It gave me the time I needed to think, question, and put into practice all the ideas and theories I’d been thinking about but not had time to execute. It was a competitive and encouraging environment, that kept you questioning everything, especially limits: of a material, of any given medium, and of yourself.

What is the mixture of students like, and what are the benefits of being in an international community?

Being part of an international community is so essential. It brings culture and perspectives you’d never considered before into the forefront of your mind. I’m in contact with many of those with whom I studied. We support each other, contribute and collaborate whenever we can throughout the years.

What have you found most rewarding about your time at the RCA?

The freedom and time to explore. There is so much to learn, read and experiment with. It was invaluable. After the RCA, I have managed to pursue a career entirely dedicated to my own artistic practice. I’ve led workshops at the V&A Museum and had work accepted into the Royal Collection. This was a huge shift and it was largely due to the drive and tenacity I discovered during my time at the RCA.

Advice for student applying?

Be honest and open. Know it will be tough and make it worth it.