UWTSD Swansea College of Art students embrace unique teaching philosophy inspired by Chess Masters

Students from the Professional Doctorate in Art and Design and MA Art and Design programmes at UWTSD Swansea College of Art have embarked on a different educational journey this year. In a ground-breaking approach to teaching, they have been introduced to the captivating world of chess and the innovative styles of chess masters. 

The aim is to draw inspiration from these chess legends and apply their strategies to their own practices. Under the guidance of the programme’s lecturers, the students have discussed the giants of chess, from the methodical nature of Hou Yifan, the genius of Bobby Fischer and the unpredictable play of Mikhail Tal. By immersing themselves in the strategies and thought processes of these masters, the students have been challenged to gain a deeper understanding of their unique styles and subsequently develop their own distinctive approaches to academic art and design practice.

Within university teaching, this unconventional and unique teaching philosophy in both programmes, has provided students with a fresh perspective, encouraging them to explore new avenues in their creative journeys. By drawing parallels between chess and the art and design disciplines, the aim is to foster innovation, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving among its students.

Stuart Mackay, an MA Art, and Design student said: “I’ve applied it several times in my research and in my practice, it actually kick-started my recent creative energy output in my practice. The Tal mentality allowed me to just go for it and find a way into my creativity. I must have sacrificed an inner critic or something. Then in my research I’ve seen myself concentrating on defending my ideas, making me focus more on research. I think it’s a great tool to manage your thinking.”

Kylie Boon, lectures on the programme. She said: “Our aim is to challenge our students, to enable them to think differently and facilitate an environment of experimentation that can lead to innovative art and design research. By studying the strategies and techniques employed by chess masters, it became apparent that our students began to approach their practice and express their research in a new light. This was evident in the vibrant debates that took place in the classroom. This unique teaching methodology, demonstrate our commitment to delivering a unique, and enriching educational experience for our students.”

Yueyao Hu who is another member of the lecturing team said: “The chess style inspires students to engage in strategic thinking. In the classroom, I encourage students to connect chess pieces with their research questions, research methods, theoretical positions, and creative practices. We place a strong emphasis on the development of students’ thinking and encourage them to identify the “queen” and “king” in their own research, enabling them to articulate arguments for their research topics and support their statements. We are excited to witness the unique and original work that will emerge from this inspiring collaboration. By bridging the worlds of chess and art and design, the Professional doctorate and MA Art and Design courses are empowering its students to become innovative thinkers and practitioners.”

UWTSD Swansea College of Art is renowned for its commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in art and design education. With a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the College offers students a supportive environment to develop their artistic talents and explore new possibilities in the field. By nurturing creativity and critical thinking, UWTSD Swansea College of Art equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the ever-evolving world of art and design. 

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071