Everdien Breken


research

activities

  • Geodesy, TU Delft (1980-1987)
    Degree: Master, TU Delft (Netherlands), recipient: Everdien Breken
    I studied Geodesy—also known as Surveying or Geomatics—at TU Delft, one of Europe's leading technical universities. Geodesy is the science of accurately measuring and representing the Earth, including its shape, gravitational field, and the precise positioning of points on its surface. TU Delft's Master's program in Geodesy benefits from the university's strong interdisciplinary environment, particularly through connections with Mathematics and Architecture programs. The program demanded rigorous commitment—approximately 40 hours per week—reflecting TU Delft's high academic standards. This intensive training combined advanced mathematics, physics, and cutting-edge geospatial technologies to address real-world challenges in mapping, navigation, infrastructure development, and climate monitoring. My studies equipped me with expertise in spatial data analysis, precise measurement techniques, and the representation of geographic information—skills that inform my current artistic practice. The interdisciplinary nature of geodesy, bridging technical precision with spatial representation, continues to influence how I approach my work.
  • Master of Art (2006-2010)
    Degree: Master, Utrecht Graduate School of Visual Art and Design (Netherlands), recipient: Everdien Breken
    The Master of Fine Art at HKU (Utrecht University of the Arts) was a one-year, full-time English-taught program that positions artistic practice within eco-socio-cultural and political contexts. Awarded the Gold Medal by 'EW Best Studies 2022', this internationally acclaimed program welcomes artists, researchers, activists, and cultural workers interested in developing politically engaged practices that address planetary urgencies. The program moves away from individualistic art-making toward collaborative, transdisciplinary approaches that challenge extractive, colonial, and hierarchical systems. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of nature-cultures and supports practices that contribute to sustainable, solidarity-based communities. Rather than focusing on "talent" or "artistic signature," the program values concern, dedication, and engagement with contemporary ecological, social, and political crises. The curriculum integrates three interactive dimensions: Making – Explores expanded notions of production and collaboration, including unmaking, process-oriented work, and material-relational approaches Thinking – Develops knowledge through dialogue with diverse entities (colleagues, books, water, histories, disciplines) emphasizing collective learning Sharing – Cultivates relational practices through communal activities, from meals to exhibitions, fostering affective ecologies and mutual support Learning Environment Students engage through courses, seminars, workshops, guided walks, tutorials, institutional collaborations (Casco Art Institute, BAK, puntWG), curatorial projects, and experimental formats. The program maintains strong alumni networks through the Mutual Support Platform (MSP), extending community beyond graduation. Key Features Focus on artistic research as practice and practice as research Partnerships with local and international cultural institutions Emphasis on feminist, queer, decolonial, postcolonial, Indigenous, and disability studies Preparation for further research (PhD, practice-based research) Collaborative and process-based graduation with extended research report Located at HKU Loods (moving to IBB-laan in 2026)