Unique to Manukau
Communication Design students’ art exhibition was described as Auckland’s largest art market.
The students from Auckland University of Technology South Campus exhibited their end-ofyear work at the gala opening of the Original Art Sale which melded elements of virtual reality, moving image and graphic design.
The third-year Bachelor of Design students on show are poised to become the first graduates of the Visual Communications pathway, which is only offered at AUT South Campus.
Programme Leader David Sinfield says the pathway was developed in response to industry both in terms of what it wants and where it’s going.
‘‘Our students need to be more adaptable and able to turn their hand to multiple skills. We give them the traditional skills in graphic design, but also advanced skills in virtual reality, augmented reality and moving image,’’ he says.
‘‘They can create short films, documentaries and television ads, as well as graphic design for print.’’
Since its inception in 2014, the Visual Communications pathway has constantly evolved.
‘‘Each year, we’ve developed new papers and projects. We’ve integrated more with the local community and run projects where we ask students to analyse areas of South Auckland, particularly Manukau, and reflect that in their design,’’ Sinfield says.
‘‘So, they’re engaging with the local community in their work.’’
International student Abdulwahab Alkandary is studying Communication Design on a scholarship from the Kuwait Government.
‘‘I think it’s a unique programme. It’s very flexible and most of the briefs are selfdirected, so it’s a great opportunity for students to work on what they’re really passionate about,’’ he says.
His experience of being transplanted from Kuwait to New Zealand has been entirely positive.
‘‘It’s been very chill and I’ve met some great people. I like my Manukau experience,’’ Alkandary says.
Sinfield says one of students described the gramme as ’whanau-style’.
‘‘We’re like a family, so we teach like a family. We know all of our students,’’ he says. his pro-