Published on 15 June 2018
Stunning final year Degree Shows from artists at the University of Sunderland have gone on display.
From glass stags to children’s books; evolution inspired glass work to environmental sculptures, the exhibitions highlight the array of artistic talent from final year art and design students.
Professor Kevin Petrie, Head of the School of Art and Design at the University of Sunderland, said: “I am really excited and proud to see nearly 200 students presenting their art and design work in these exhibitions.
“The exhibits you will see are the result of three years of hard work and represent the individuals’ personal take on art and design. This is a distinctive aspect of art and design education in that the each student ‘invents’ for themselves what kind of artist or designer they want to be. Therefore, this exhibition is extremely diverse.
“It’s also important to remember that this exhibition is an ending in some way but also the beginnings of something as these students embark on their creative careers.”
Among those exhibiting their work at this year’s shows are:
Ignotas Kuprys. Photography Video and Digital Imaging student.
Inspired by mythology, 24-year-old Ignotas has created a series of wood shields.
The photographer has used satellite imagery of places in England, Sweden and his home country of Lithuania before burning them onto plywood with a specialised laser cutter to create the final, stunning pieces.
Ignotas said: “I wanted to do something that spoke about mythology, culture and our heritage.”
Jonathan Michie, Glass and Ceramics student
Jonathan’s impressive glass stag beautifully combines nature and digital technology.
The 26-year-old, from Durham, said: “I wanted something to represent my generation, to reveal how we are more likely to see such a beautiful creature on the internet or video games. I wanted to show the positive side of technology, how it can teach us all so much.”
Annabelle Preston, Fashion, Product and Production student.
Inspired by a botanical theme, Annabelle has created her own fashion brand, incorporating men’s and women’s wear. The 21-year-old from Hartlepool was involved in every aspect of the work from the design process to the finished articles.
Annabelle said: “I was really inspired by the botanical theme which I know has become increasingly popular now. I’m hoping to work in London or Manchester once I graduate this summer.”
Chloe Violet Sandy, Illustration and Design student
Chloe, 21, has written and illustrated a beautiful children’s book called ‘A Greedy Bear Who Does Not Care’. Inspired by her love of bears, the book is targeted towards children aged four to six.
Chloe, of Sunderland, said: “The idea was to create a children’s book that educated and talked about the importance of sharing with each other. I’m hoping to go on to create more books after I have finished my degree.”
William Ramsay, Fine Art student
William, 26, is a recipient of a special Roche Continents Award which will see him travel to Austria this summer to meet others artists, musicians and scientists at a gathering in Salzburg.
William, of Murton, County Durham, said: “My creative intention is to develop the use of line, form, colour, space, perspective, dimension and scale to explore, interpret and communicate the architectural surroundings and cityscapes that I experience.”
Anastasia Manentzou, Fine Art student
Originally from Cyprus, Anastasia has spent the past three years studying in Sunderland. Her work is inspired by the complex beauty of nature and animal life. Her sculptures aim to connect people with the environment, sealing that important bond between humans and their homes.
Anastasia, 22, said: “I want my work to have an environmental message, revealing the beauty and frailty of nature.”
Emma Goring, Glass and Ceramics student
Emma’s Degree Show work is derived from a concept of irregular evolution and the idea of the discovery of a new environment.
The 21-year-old took swab samples from pipes, wood and various objects around the National Glass Centre (NGC) to help create her work ‘Spore Study’.
She said: “I already work here at NGC but I would also like to learn more from other artists in different parts of the world.”
Andy Griffiths, Glass and Ceramics student
Inspired by ‘sound mirrors’ from different parts of the country, Andy’s work is impressive in sheer scale alone.
The 52-year-old’s work takes about three months to complete from conception to completion.
Andy said: “I hoping to pursue a career in the architectural side of glass making; something on a large scale for buildings and public places.”
Degree Show opening times
Opening times
Shows open Saturday 16 June 10am to 4pm
Monday 18 to Friday 22 June 10am to 5pm
Closed Sunday 17 June
Locations
City Space Studio, City Campus
Animation, Advertising,
Games & App Design,
Fashion, Product & Promotion,
Graphic Design, Illustration
Priestman Building, City Campus
Fine Art & Photography, Video & Digital Imaging
Opening times for Glass & Ceramics only
Show opens 9 to 18 June 10am to 4pm
Location
National Glass Centre, Sir Tom Cowie Campus
Glass & Ceramics