Alumni Exhibition in the Gallery
While at pivotal points in each of their Fine Art degrees, four alumni from the York College Art Foundation Diploma have come together to curate a show of their recent works, titled PIVOT.
All the artists are in the second year of their degree, studying at various places across the country. Jess Miller and Declan Clark are currently at Leeds Beckett University, Tom Pieces is studying at Manchester School of Art and Kerensa Murray is studying at Central Saint Martins.
Aiming to transform the Gallery space at York College, they have displayed a wide range of media including video, sculpture and performance which shows the importance they place on experimentation. At this early stage of their careers, they hope that this exhibition will serve as an example of what current Contemporary Art students at York College might expect when progressing to the next level.
By painting the walls various colours and patterns, and putting up golden shimmering curtains, they have created a space that not only invites a wider audience but also seeks to change the way art is viewed in this context. While there are inspirations from artists such as Rachel Maclean, Alan Kaprow and Hayley Newman respectively, the installation as a whole is reminiscent of the Memphis movement; a reaction against the status quo. Because “good taste” is overrated anyway, this show is certainly not one to be missed.
Steven Hemingway, curator of the gallery space says “It has been a great opportunity for these students to return to York College and present work in the exhibition space. They have used the space as a test bed for their ideas and it is useful for them to gain critical feedback before they begin to create work for their degree shows next year. It is bright, full on and kitsch and It is always really interesting to see what our students go on to produce and how their practice changes whilst studying at degree level”.
PIVOT exhibition is in the Gallery at York College until 13th February 2020.
