What knowledge forms the basis of the school subject visual arts (Bildnerisches Gestalten)? What constitutes this knowledge? And what does it encompass? Which canon is it based on and what kind of gaps does it have?
We explore these questions as part of the research area Knowledges in Art Pedagogy. The research is based on the assumption that art education and knowledge in art education has special qualities, not least because of the scope and nature of the education programs in Switzerland. This knowledge is, however, implicit to a high degree, as expertise in art education is understood to encompass both practices as well as theories and concepts. In order to be able to reflect on the existing expertise, this must be made both visible and negotiable.
The examination of expert knowledge in art education is based on practical research in cooperation with teachers of the subject visual arts (Bildnerisches Gestalten). The aim is to look for ways of improving and developing the subject by drawing on representations of pre-existing knowledge systems. To this end, methodical approaches at the intersection of qualitative social research and arts-based research are elected.