The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Free degree show puts the spotlight on work of graduating artists
Campus transformed into one of the largest galleries for creativity festival
The Dundee University annual degree show gets under way today.
Graduating artists from the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design will showcase their work at the institution until tomorrow week.
Textile experts, painters, illustrators, sculptors and more will share their wares with the public at the free event, which grows in popularity each year and what is for many the first step on to the ladder of the art and creative industries.
The graduates’ work is entirely varied and the college campus will be transformed into one of the largest art galleries in Britain, with thousands of visitors set to descend on the exhibits over the course of the next seven days.
A launch event was held yesterday for family and friends in the university buildings.
At the students’ union, a large street party featuring two stages, food vans from local restaurants and mobile bars filled to the brim with locally made gins and beers were on offer, adding to the carnival atmosphere.
Earlier in the week, the artists received their grades, the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication.
Megan Brown, 21, is among those taking part and is inviting families and individuals to unleash their childish behaviour as they interact with her collection of knitted playful interior samples.
She said: “Influenced by sensory play and the benefits this has for young children, I have created unusual knitted textures and 3D forms that anyone visiting can play with.”
Callan Biddie, 21, from Falkirk, said that his work is a celebration of how far society’s attitude towards homosexual- ity and sexuality in general has changed.
He said: “My work celebrates gay and queer photographers who challenged society and left a remarkable positive impact.
“Through my shirts I wanted to celebrate but also personally challenge my audience – I want to ask them, would you wear it now, knowing what is on it?”
Johanna Tonner, 25, from Dundee said: “My work is busy and messy because it’s based on a hectic mind, but it’s also comfortable and fun to touch because I love the idea that they represent anxieties but are comforting at the same time. I want people to feel cosy sitting and hugging something that often never gets a physical representation.”
The degree show will run from 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.