Degree shows 2017: collaborative power play, fab knitting and Plasticine blobs

The University of the West of England’s Creative Industries shows took place at a number of spaces across Bristol including the City Campus and Arnolfini, but Bob Gelsthorpe’s a-n Instagram takeover focused on the Fine Art + Art and Visual Culture show hosted by UWE’s studios at Spike Island,

Here, Alice Vaughan’s ceiling-height human figures, Persona, “peered down” on the viewer, their simplified calico bodies “reflecting on issues of mental health, expectation and reality”. Tom Sturgess meanwhile exhibited a series of “vivid paintings” resulting from a process of creating his own tools and choreographing their use in collaboration with other artists.

In a post about the work, Gelsthorpe said: “Varying levels of control and release weave throughout the work, taking on an interesting power play dynamic in the trials of collaborative work.”

Fiona Grady’s first takeover took in the Slade School of Fine Art MA Degree Show (continues until 18 June) where Jiyoung Yoo’s show featured a food-based installation of cut out surfaces and pasted wall pieces that use inkjet printing as part of the painting process (top image).

Also at the Slade, Sandra Lane’s imaginary forms and fictional spaces relate to her 1960s childhood, a time of idealised domesticity and space-race optimism.

Describing the work as fresh, fun and a little tongue in cheek, Grady added: “There’s a bit of everything thrown in here, from ceramic shoes, Plasticine blobs and the artists’ favourite aid, Frog tape.”

Nostalgia was also the focus of this work (above) by Joely Persse, posted by Helen Mcghie on her visit to the University of Salford’s School of Arts and Media Create Salford 2017 show (until 15 june).

Speaking about Persse’ “fab knitting installation”, Mcghie said: “There’s a sense of fun and play in this fantasy space, where I’m reminded of growing up in a world full of colour.”

For her visit to the Manchester School of Art Fine Art Degree Show (until 21 June) Mcghie’s focus was on those working with photography.

Matt Leeves’ Falling Apart (Falling Together) explores ‘sculptural leftovers’ through his memories of the Cornish coastline and references to the works of Barbara Hepworth. Mcghie reflected that through these “interesting juxtapositions” the artist had created a “fantastic installation with an experimental hang”.

Katie Chappell’s takeover at Edinburgh College of Art also highlighted works included in the Photography Show, including Craig Waddell’s series Masc which explores contemporary masculine identity.

While in the MFA Illustration show, Chappell picked out the work of Boris Lee whose “super mega vibrant children’s picture book illustration” aims to “bring pure happiness to people”.

Follow a-n on Instagram to catch all our degree shows takeovers

Just posted: Helen Mcghie’s coverage of University of Bolton Fine Art show plus catch Katie Chappell’s posts from the Newcastle University Fine Art show; later this week Fiona Grady will visits the preview of the Goldsmiths BA show, Helen McGhie will post from the University of Sunderland Photography show preview and Jacki Cairns will be at the De Montfort University Fine Art show.

Images:
1. Jiyoung Yoo, installation as part of MA Degree Show at Slade School of Fine Art including On the chopping board (middle) and Two eggs, every morning (right).
2. Tom Sturgess, Fine Art + Art and Visual Culture show at UWE.
3. Alice Vaughan, Persona, calico, kapok, foam, 200x500x100cm, 2017, Fine Art + Art and Visual Culture show at UWE.
4. Sandra Lane, MA Degree Show at Slade School of Fine Art.
5. Joely Persse, University of Salford’s School of Arts and Media Create Salford 2017 show.
6. Matt Leeves, Falling Apart (Falling Together), Manchester School of Art Fine Art Degree Show.
7. Craig Waddell, Masc, Edinburgh College of Art Photography show.
8. Boris Lee, installation as part of Edinburgh College of Art MFA Illustration show.

a-n Degree Shows Guide 2017

More on a-n.co.uk: