CMYK Exhibition

From February 26th until March 1st the Level 4 Fine Art students of Leeds College of Art are holding a huge collective exhibition showcasing the work of over 100 artists. The exhibition aims to bring the work of the students together for the first time outside of the studio setting for all to enjoy. The opening night was fantastic! It was packed with friends, family and alcohol and was an excellent opportunity to finally see what all the first year students have been woking on for the past five or so months. I managed to get some photos of some of the work so I thought I'd share them with you.

Rex Southwick

Tobi Brown

Max Rent-Isaacs

Ollie Roberts

Nyasha Pedyo

Daniel Harland

Hollie-Grace Clarke

Jess Cox

Chloe Goldsmith

Emily Rogers

XOXO Exhibition Coming Soon!

It's exactly two weeks until the opening of our Level 5 Fine Art exhibition XOXO, which will run until the 15th March. There will be approximately eighty-five students exhibiting work across a range of disciplines such as painting, drawing, sculpture and performance displaying the diversity and individuality of second year. If you are in Leeds between the 10th and 15th of March, then be sure to pop in and have a walk around the gallery space and experience some fantastic art!

Off The Page - Illustration Exhibition

Leeds Collge of Art's BA Illustration students present 'Off The Page', a fantastic print exhibition at Colours May Vary delivering a collection of stunning publications based on the lives and works of numerous authors. Limited to only two colours, s square format and traditional printing processes the Level 5 students have organised and lead a great display of works for all to enjoy.

I luckily managed to get down to Colours May Vary for the opening just before the last drinks were consumed. The place was packed with guests and artwork which provided for a buzzing and inspiring atmosphere. Unfortunately the place was a little too busy to get some quality photos of everyones work but I got enough to give you a flavour of what then exhibition has to offer. The show is open until March 13th (my Birthday!!!) so if you have any spare time I would recommend dropping by and having a nosey, you wont be disappointed with either the exhibition or the wonderful shop!

Show Room

It's been over a month from when I submitted my portfolio of work for my first two modules and I am delighted to announce that my hard work paid off! I managed to bag myself two First Class grades; one for my Website and Blog and the other for being able to evidence a relationship between Practice and Theory which I am over the moon about. I had some great feedback from my tutors including some artists to look at and some ideas to push.

Since receiving my feedback I have finished this painting, 'Show Room', which is a slight change from my still life based works. I have started to extend the idea of looking at assemblages of objects to looking at rooms and interiors to try and understand how we read them. I am going to start looking at interior spaces and paint motifs such as chairs, tables and objects collaged together from places like Ikea and Home Style magazines to comment on the idea that everyone wants the 'ideal home'. 

I'm not sure how my work will evolve yet or whether it will be successful but I will keep you updated on my journey through the coming months.

Reform

The Batsford Prize is an annual competition for all studying artists who are invited to submit work related to their chosen theme. This year the prize is 'Reuse, Recycle, Reclaim' and the judges will be looking for works that reflect the need to reuse and recycle materials.

I decided to create a piece that reflects on this brief and enter the competition because I believe engaging in the art world outside of university is very important. Taking into consideration the theme of this years Batsford Prize, 'Reform' is painted using recycled household paint from an environmental social enterprise, Seagulls Reuse, in the aim of promoting the 'reuse of leftover and unwanted paint to create opportunities for local people'. The frame of the canvas is constructed from repurposed timber in an attempt to fight back against the disposable society we live in. Centered on shape, colour and abstraction 'Reform' seeks to bring a more contemporary quality to the often overlooked genre of still life, whilst using plat motifs to reference the carbon cycle and impermanence of life.

I hope you all like this new piece and fingers crossed I might be selected for the next round!