The next generation of creativity - Fine Art Degree Show
Release Date 13 June 2011
The Tracy Emins and Damien Hirsts of the future will be displaying their work at the University of Reading's Art Degree Show this month
From Monday 13 June to Friday 24 June, between 10am and 4pm, the public are welcome to attend the exhibition which this year showcases the exciting work of 55 graduating students from Reading's renowned Department of Art.
Head of the University of Reading's Department of Art Alun Rowlands said: "This exhibition is the culmination of our undergraduate and postgraduate work, research and their experience of studying art. Visitors will encounter performance as masquerade, sculpture exploring the currency of folk, the immateriality of digital images, storytelling and blogging as theoretical fiction.
"As well as large-scale painting and storytelling, other highlights include a film tribute to deceased pets, a giant plastic bubble the size of a house and the sound of defrosting gramophones!"
The Department of Art has a long history, originating over 150 years ago as one of the founding departments of the University of Reading. It has produced alumni such as Turner Prize nominees Cornelia Parker, Richard Wilson and Mike Nelson and been associated with notable artists such as Walter Sickert and Sir Terry Frost.
Alun Rowlands added: "Graduates from the Department of Art have gone on to become acclaimed artists, curators and writers, making significant contributions across the creative and cultural field. We are very proud that this summer sees two of our alumni participating in the prestigious 54th International Venice Biennale. Mike Nelson will be representing Great Britain at the national pavilion while Melanie Smith will be exhibiting in the Mexican pavilion."
The University's Degree Show is accompanied by a three-part newspaper publication featuring all the finalists with guest editorials from Simon O'Sullivan (Goldsmiths), artist Ed Atkins and Caroline Drever (Art History), designed by Georgina Henshall and Liam Yeoh, from the Department of Typography.
The publication is made possible with the generous support from the Joint Standing Committee of Council and Senate for the Arts.
For more information email fineart@reading.ac.uk
ENDS
Further press information and images of the works on display from James Barr, University of Reading press office, 0118 378 7115, j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk
Notes for Editors:
The University of Reading's Department of Art offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Art and Art History. It also offers distinctive joint undergraduate degrees with, among others, Philosophy, Psychology, Film & Theatre, Television, and History of Art & Architecture. The courses demonstrate the full breadth of Art as an area of study and research.
All members of the academic staff are actively engaged as artists, historians and curators.
The department attracts students from all over the world and from diverse previous experience and operates as a 24-hour studio community.