Swansea College of Art was the focus for our first a-n Instagram degree show takeover for 2018 with Anna Grace Rogers posting from the surface pattern design and fine art shows.
Jess Hill’s work is included in the surface pattern design MDes show. Explaining that her practice sits between art and design and textiles and architecture, Rogers said:
“Hill’s work juxtaposes functionality with style underpinned by intriguing line work. One to watch.”
In the fine art show, Chris Jenkins’ ceramic installation, which Rogers described as “subtle and thoughtful”, explores the concept of ‘gender performance’ and in particular the stigma that surrounds ‘masculinity’.
Also in the surface pattern design show, Hannah Beniamous‘ collection is inspired by textures and architectural forms from Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
“Beniamous makes work for interiors, and she spoke to me about her particular flair for projects that allow her to not only design patterns but curate them in architectural spaces,” said Rogers. “I look forward to seeing what she does next.”
FK McLoone’s first takeover came from the fine art show at Duncan Of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.
Included in the show, David McLeish’s installation Costa-Del-Prole! (top image and below) takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the future of Dundee as a tourist destination as gentrification takes its toll. “Souvenirs and karaoke also available for the authentic package holiday experience,” explained McLoone.
Ruaridh Phillips’ experimental collages “take inspiration from the processes of nature and the landscape”.
While McLoone described Caitie O’Hara and Reece Arshad as “two artists with a brilliant command of materials and scale”. O’Hara uses light and shadow to explore the social and political aspect of public architecture, while Arshad creates “imposing, monolithic structures that merge the industrial with the organic”.
Rebecca Ainsworth visited University Centre St Helens BA fine art painting degree show for her first takeover.
Explaining that Sarah Gilman’s concern in her trompe l’oeil paintings is to “draw attention to the physicality of paint itself,” Ainsworth said:
“My own attention is drawn to the use of chromatic greys and muted palette in these paintings – a beautiful use of colour.”
“Lily Karen’s paintings and drawings explore how art can express internal truths and bring beauty into the world,” said Ainsworth. “I think they are beautiful paintings that deserve a close look for an extended amount of time.”
Also in the fine art painting show at University Centre St Helens, Faye Hall’s work is inspired by decay, abandoned buildings and cracked roads and pavements.
“Hall rejects traditional methods, using an intuitive approach,” explained Ainsworth. “The materials used in her work strengthen the link between the source of inspiration. I love her mixing of painting and sculptural elements”.
Follow a-n on Instagram to catch all our degree shows takeovers
Next up: Janet Tryner visits the fine art, illustration and graphic design shows at Coventry University; Rebecca Ainsworth will be posting from Wirral Met College; and Anna Grace Rogers turns her attention to the Cardiff School of Art and Design degree shows.
Images:
1, 5. David McLeish, Costa-Del-Prole, installation, Duncan Of Jordanstone College of Art and Design degree show 2018. Photo: FK McLoone
2. Jess Hill, surface pattern design MDes degree show 2018 at Swansea College of Art. Photo: Anna Grace Rogers
3. Chris Jenkins, ceramic installation, Swansea College of Art degree show 2018. Photo: Anna Grace Rogers
4. Hannah Beniamous, surface pattern design degree show 2018 at Swansea College of Art. Photo: Anna Grace Rogers
6. Ruaridh Phillips, Duncan Of Jordanstone College of Art and Design degree show 2018. Photo: FK McLoone
7. Caitie O’Hara and Reece Arshad, Duncan Of Jordanstone College of Art and Design degree show 2018. Photo: FK McLoone
8. Sarah Gilman, BA fine art painting degree show 2018 at University Centre St Helens. Photo: Rebecca Ainsworth
9. Lily Karen, BA fine art painting degree show 2018 at University Centre St Helens. Photo: Rebecca Ainsworth
10. Faye Hall, BA fine art painting degree show 2018 at University Centre St Helens. Photo: Rebecca Ainsworth
a-n Degree Shows Guide 2018
More on a-n.co.uk:
Degree shows 2018: announcing this year’s a-n Instagram takeovers
The new Royal Academy: no imagination or cost spared in David Chipperfield upgrade
International Report: Printemps De L’Art Contemporain 2018 festival, Marseille
