Emerging Talent at Art Degree Show

Jewellery by Rachel Glen.

Displays at the Degree Show.

Artists’ emerging talents were showcased at The University of Dundee’s hugely popular Art, Design and Architecture Degree Show.

The stunning work of Duncan of Jordanstone’s graduate students filled the rooms along the corridors of 6 floors of the Matthew and Crawford Buildings.

The work was split according to their disciplines. The venue presented sections of Fine Art, Graphic Design, Animation, Illustration, and Jewellery/Metal Design – to name but a few.

Within the ‘Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices’ area the work of artist Paul Vermeulen stood out. 

Three of the four pictures Paul Vermeulen selected for display.

He picked 4 large coloured canvasses of artwork to display along one wall. The rest of his work on the genre was displayed within a book at the side.

His pictures explore the current conflict in the Middle East, in particular the Syrian ‘civil’ war and the ensuing refugee crisis.

The description reads: ‘This body of work is the result of an interest in the personal tragedies that are causing the Syrian population to flee, and the horrific circumstances of their journey to a perceived sanctuary where they may not even be welcome’.

Paul’s expressionistic style drawings - some of which are digitalised sketches – depict the pained faces of Syrian refugees including young children.

He said: "Portraiture has been my favourite medium because the human face is not only an excellent example of form, round and yet complicated, but also conveys emotion”.

The ‘Graphic Design’ area also held many impressive pieces of work with some wonderful concepts behind them.

Graphic Design display.

It seems that the students’ task was to choose or envisage a product and then create a visual identity for them.

Quotes were dotted around the gallery.

Whilst some used intricate and complex designs others appeared more simple and minimalistic - both styles seemed to create eye-catching visuals.

Caitlin Macleod has used a simple design. She took on a re-brand project for ‘Orchard Pig’ a craft cider company in Somerset.

Her aim was to keep the ‘Orchard Pig’ relevant to the present drinking trends and uses very basic imagery. 

She said: “Paying particular attention to colour and paper choice, I have created a rustic aesthetic that can easily be repeated throughout all aspects of the re-brand.”

Caitlin Macleod's 'Orchard Pig' designs.

Another student, Neli Todorova, created the unique and quirky ‘I’mPerfect’ brand. 

The idea behind her product was the production of jam and juices from unwanted misshapen fruit that would otherwise go to waste.

The fruits are presented in oddly shaped containers with colourful and catchy graphics. 

She succeeds in her mission to prove that beauty can be created from something that would otherwise be discarded.

She said: “The brand aims to change society’s perception of a perfect fruit by creating something beautiful from what is regarded as ugly.”

Graduate, Katy Stewart, branded an equestrian holiday company called ‘Saddle Up Adventures’. Her idea allows people to discover parts of rural Scotland on horseback by travelling on a series of routes connected by horse-friendly B&B’s. 

The project aims to provide income to rural communities and promote rural Scotland as an Adventure Holiday destination.

She said: “It was inspired by my lifelong passion for horse riding. It accompanies my social media campaign, ‘Through Their Ears’ - primarily based on Instagram. 

"Horse-riders who use #throughtheirears when sharing photos have a chance to be featured on her Instagram gallery.”

A book Katy Stewart supplied beside her display with pictures through the horses' ears.

The ‘Jewellery’ area was filled with beautifully displayed objects and original designs.

Each explored new design techniques and they used various different materials for their creations. A few of the items pushed the boundaries of wearability in terms of their scale.

Innovative designer, Hayley Brooks, was one of my favourites. Her contemporary pieces were surprisingly light and immensely wearable.

A bracelet by Hayley Brooks.

They are inspired by the peacefulness of the Scottish landscape. She said: “They also act as a personal souvenir - enabling the wearer to carry something of the solace found in the Scottish landscape.”

The jewellery combined alternative materials such as silicone and precious metal to capture the texture and detail of the rocks and reflections which she herself finds beauty in.

Although hundreds of graduate’s noteworthy work was on display – I can only discuss so many.

Designer April Black.

Another whose work appealed to me was April Black’s - also found within the ‘Jewellery and Metal Work’ area. Perhaps I like her work and ideas because I’m an outdoorsy person and felt some connection to the ideas that she explores.

She created numerous lovely containers for ‘found things’. April was inspired by the positive impact that time spent with nature can have on well-being when she volunteered with ‘Greenbuds’ mental health programme in Dundee.

She said: “I have explored the sentimental attachment to found objects and the connotations these objects can have for the individual.

'Found things' containers by April Black.

“I aim to translate the feeling of calm that the outdoors gives these participants. The vessels to hold their found objects create a visual reminder of a time where they felt at ease.”

Some photos taken by April during her time as a volunteer at Greenbuds in Dundee.

A poster within the 'Animation' area.

She used wood as it is more sympathetic to the natural environment and incorporated precious metals to highlight the importance of these objects for the user.

If you missed the graduate art degree show this year information about the artists is still available online. 

For further information visit Dundee.ac.uk/degreeshow or to hear their latest news go to www.facebook.com/duncanofjordanstone.

The show is full of novel ideas and exciting talents. Perhaps you feel like one of my friends that all art is ‘pretentious’.

But, I guarantee that the degree show will help non-arty types to appreciate the finer details of items that surround us and feel stimulated to be more creative.

Part of an 'Animation' display by Vicky Stephen.