As a result of Covid-19 our degree show will now take place in VR and hopefully, later in ‘real life’, to say I am disappointed about this would be something of an understatement.
Friends and family were coming from across the United Kingdom, to attend the show and to celebrate with me, even today some are struggling to get refunds on hotel rooms they booked. Having volunteered at the previous two shows I am only too aware of what we are missing; the sense of achievement and camaraderie, and the intense pride which the students experience is palpable, also the bar is free !
Earlier in the academic year we began fundraising to raise capital that would be invested in our own exhibition, including production of the show catalogue. For my part I acquired a giant teddy bear, tickets for which were raffled, and culminating in his appearance at the Christmas fair, all proceeds including initial layout, were donated to the fund.
I have submitted 150-word statement for inclusion in the 2020 Degree Show catalogue and recognise that 12 months ago this would have been a much more difficult task. Something has happened over the past year, amplified by completing my work under lockdown; I am able to situate my work within the context of art historical collage and alongside peers, tutors and contemporary practitioners. My proposed biography reads -
I have always found collage an exciting and expeditious medium in which to work. One of my most vivid childhood memories is of my mother, making flour and water paste, so I could collage chocolate biscuit wrappers. Recognising that my strengths lie in the analogue, collage enables me to take a playful and diverse approach to making work.
My work is eclectic, often conceptual, influenced by Surrealism, Dada and Pop Art, I combine collage with elements of appropriated paintings and readymade objects. As I mature past the age of 50, I am acutely aware of the value of recycling and the satisfaction of giving a ‘thing’ a second life, a reflection perhaps of my own reinvention as a student.
Adjusting to life in lockdown during unprecedented times, I am fortunate to be able to continue making work, in unexpected ways it has brought focus to my practice.
So reflecting the note of optimism on the CASC Gallery website that introduces our forthcoming virtual reality degree show, I hope you are able to visit us there https://www.cascgallery.co.uk/event-details/a-d-degree-show-opening for my part I will be exhibiting my work entitled Cadavre Exquis, which you can see in more detail in my image album of the same name.
