This summer semester, the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design (HfG), under the direction of Simon Gehring, has teamed up with the artist.collaborative AHOI studios, lead by Brigitte Reisz, for the workshop: Inclusive Design with Ceramics.

The workshop offers a platform for joint creative work between HfG students and artists from AHOI studios. Students will work together in tandems in the AHOI studios as well as in the university's rooms, and ceramic forms will be developed in dialog using the possible techniques of modeling, casting, 3D printing and firing. The tandem partners inspire each other in the design process through their individual working methods. Experimental communication is a prerequisite for learning from each other through the exchange of perspectives, methods and artistic approaches.
Having already painted prefabricated ceramic forms with motifs from outer space in the AHOI studios, it seemed obvious to dedicate themselves to the process of form-finding and develop their own objects in cooperation with the HfG. The framework conditions of the university and the experience of the students meet the unconventional artistic expressiveness of the AHOI artists in the design process. AHOI artist Florian Musolff describes the collaboration with student Laura Waterstradt: "We have to build an excavator - Laura is awake, she likes red. The shovel will be a vase, and so will the excavator itself. We both love excavators and tractors."

The workshop therefore offers the opportunity to explore ceramics as an inclusive, versatile medium that combines tactile, material and formal qualities. Individual and collective works will be created through collaborative work, which will be presented at the university on July 9 at 11 am. The ceramics will also be on display at the HfG as part of the tour from 24-27.7.25 and at KaMuNa on 2.8.25.
The project aims to create a space in which barrier-free art production is not only discussed, but actively practiced - as part of an open, diverse and forward-looking design culture.
The workshop is being launched as a pilot project with the prospect of facilitating a series of workshops or further collaborations in the form of seminars in the long term.

About AHOI studios The AHOI studios offer people with disabilities a place to develop their artistic skills. Drawings, paintings, collages and sculptures, word and sound documents, as well as photo and video works are part of the field of work. Artistic talents are individually supported through collaboration with professional artists. Visits to exhibitions and colloquia also encourage students to engage with art. Access to the art market is provided, as well as to further education and related fields such as design or art education. Participation in exhibitions and collaborations expand the approaches and opportunities.

More info: https://www.ahoistudios.de/

About Simon Gehring Simon Gehring is an industrial designer, researcher, digital artist and computer designer. His work is characterized by the use of digital and generative tools and the exploration of innovative manufacturing processes and materials. He sees materials in their natural form and not as a linear, standardized unit. He takes their history and origin into account in his designs. In doing so, research into sustainability is not only essential, but also formative for his projects. Most of his work relates to the design of furniture, lighting and everyday objects, but can also reach architectural dimensions. His projects are often conceptual in nature and have a narrative aspect. Through an analytical and experimental approach, he seeks to create a positive impact on his immediate and distant surroundings.
As an academic assistant at the HfG Karlsruhe, he initiated the collaboration with Ahoi studios. Together with Brigitte Reisz they designed an inclusive workshop that offers participants an intensive exploration of ceramics as a material, but above all promotes interpersonal communication and collaboration.

More information: http://simongehring.com/