Graduation Show 2013

Becky Smyllie

I was present at a pitch Becky did for a commission, I was very much inspired by the concept of her work and the way she works. Larger scale work has always seemed quite a frightening thought, however when I saw the incredible drawings she had produced it really made imagine how I could create pieces and samples on much bigger scales.

The portraits are so delicate to look at, the way in which they are layered on mass closing in the spaces on the page, networking thousands of lines, it seemed so complex. The contrast between the complexity of the drawings and the concept they are based upon works really well, the simplicity of portraiture and everyday faces when repeated and crossing links  can be made into and exciting interpretation.

 

 

 

Michele Friswell

From seeing Michele’s exhibition, I could see how she focuses on subtle repetition of markings. I also really liked the minimal colour palette, this way the darker tones were nicely softened.  The concept of the work is something that interests me very much, the traces and DNA residue left by each person, each marking unique in its own way.  Linking textiles and scientific elements. The colours used reflect the ghostliness of the subject, each mark subtle and hidden without closer inspection.

In my own work layering techniques have been a dominant part of sampling, I like how she explores different fabric and material combinations through layering and repetition.

 

 

  Sophie Brown

I think out of all the graduates work from the exhibition this student’s concept interested me the most. From having seen the Braille marked pieces of soap made part of interactive experiences placed in particular parts of the university leading up to the exhibition I was intrigued to see the final product. Before reading the description of the work my thoughts were that the piece allows your eyes to follow the markings along, how each imprint reflects wording and lettering. It made me reflect on sensory deprivation and comprehending a world without having all senses. From reading the description Sophie’s intention was to communicate with the viewer through an alternative language and encouraging the viewer to read the shapes of this alternative way of communication.

I particularly liked the choice of materials, creating a contrast of a heaviness and density of which is applied to the tiles, reflecting something visually sensitive with a notion of fluidity.

This student’s work has encouraged me to think more about the importance of the interaction between the work and the audience, and I intend to consider this in my own work making the viewer think of an alternative representation of what they can see.