This year’s season of Degree Shows highlight the next generation of creative talent. Aesthetica selects ten to see across the UK this summer.
Taking place as part of the city’s inaugural Ignite Festival of Creativity, Plymouth’s degree shows occupy more than 15 spaces and span a diverse range of media – from 3D printing and fashion design to game arts and graphic design. Audiences can see intimate portraits by Zephyre Rose alongside Thyra Bankole’s zine that “champions women of colour in the creative industries.” 15-20 June.
Taking place at Hatton Gallery, Newcastle’s exhibition brings together work by 58 emerging artists. Foregrounding the results of four years study on the BA in Fine Art, this year’s pieces include painting, new media, film, video, sculpture, photography, print, sound, performance and installation in an expansive and all-encompassing event. 1-15 June.
Norwich University of the Arts
Thousands of artworks go on display to celebrate Norwich University of the Arts’ 2019 graduates. Expanding the boundaries of art, the selection includes video games, VFX and animation. Architectural drawings and models explore the urban landscape, whilst contemporary approaches to painting, illustration and sculpture offer forward-thinking visuals. 25 June–3 July.
Visitors to The Cass’ Summer Show can experience creative output from across the school’s art, architecture and design courses. With interiors and visual communication at Goulston Street, 3D design at Wash Houses and fine art and photography in the Annexe, the presentation is wide-reaching, and accompanied by busy schedule of events. 20-30 June.
London College of Communication
Future-facing designers, makers, thinkers and innovators come together in this two-part display. An array of work pushes the boundaries of the ever-evolving design, media and screen industries. Show 1: Media looks at advertising, journalism, photography and documentary practice, whilst Show 2: Design and Screen delves into visual culture and communication. 30 May – 22 June.
“Students are increasingly using their creative talents to have a positive impact on society.” – Michael Marsden, Dean of the School of Art & Design. SHOW unites 1,318 creatives from 26 courses, each exploring and responding to key 21st century themes including health and wellbeing, sustainability, technology and identity. 1–9 June.
University for the Creative Arts
Spread across four campuses, UCA’s end-of-year offerings demonstrate an extraordinary breadth. Featured above is Urban Abstraction by Mariyam Bajwa, whose vibrant textile collections for fashion and interiors are inspired by both cities and nature. A spontaneous selection of bold shapes and structures come together in Bajwa’s colourful prints. Throughout June.
The Royal College of Art showcases work by over 800 art and design postgraduate students. Demonstrating imagination and technical skill, Show 2019 presents new solutions to pressing global problems alongside fine art that holds up mirror to the world. Across Kensington and Battersea, RCA presents a forward-thinking and responsive crop. 29 June – 7 July.
Transforming Leeds Arts University’s buildings into large scale exhibition spaces, We Don’t Quack Like Other Ducks foregrounds the institution’s position as a stand-out voice on the contemporary art scene. Visitors are offered the opportunity to purchase prints, cards, stationery and artwork from the accompanying Art Market. Until 13 June.
Bringing together three years of critical Fine Art practice into one showcase, this year’s BA Fine Art exhibition visualises Goldsmith’s commitment to exploring, questioning and reshaping the wider world. Offering new perspectives on the contemporary society, the exhibition promises to inspire thoughtful, imaginative engagement. 21-24 June.
Lead image: Amar Gill, Leeds Arts University.
