The MA Show 2011


Press Release

With a belief that painting and sculpture exists as a creative activity within a dynamic tradition, the 2011 MA graduates continue to uphold high standards of individual engagement with materials and meaning.

This MA exhibition showcases the artistic diversity currently being fostered at City & Guilds. While one student displays a series of sculptures to draw on an engagement with the uncanny erotic seductions of neo-surreal imagery - engaging the viewer in a dialogue with glass, fur and their own inhibition - another explores the relationship of his previous career as a 3D computer modeller using paint to create images of suspended motion.

Throughout the year and in the build up to this final show, the MA students have enjoyed unique access to tutors from a distinct group of contemporary, practising artists. Led by Tony Carter and Robin Mason, the Fine Art department comprises of tutors with highly successful careers of their own including Reece Jones; Andrew Grassie; Gavin Nolan; Teresita Dennis; Andy Bannister; Kate Palmer and Jane Langley amongst others.

The integrity of the work is driven by this strong, direct relationship with tutors, and this formula supports Modern Painters April 2011 ranking of the course as the third best MA programme in the UK after the Royal College of Art and the Royal Academy. At the 2011 show, the growing reputation of the School has been further enhanced by the launch of the GAM MA Fine Art Prize and bursary scheme. In addition, students’ work is exhibited in Art Lift at Kennington’s Underground station in collaboration with Art Below.

Supported by the tutors as well as each other, these MA students have developed their own style and potential through rigorous theoretical and practical exploration. Some experience a departure from their previous styles and mediums whilst others hone their technical expertise. Every journey has been different. The artist statement can offer an insight but viewers must interpret the work for themselves. The exhibition and catalogue for this MA exhibition showcases an exciting wealth of new talent: young artists optimising the traditions of Fine Art.