Bradford College

'09 Summer Showtime

From the mainstream to the underground, the diversity of Bradford School of Arts and Media Summer Show never fails to impress. The 2009 exhibition set in the £4 million Yorkshire Craft Centre development, played host to the best in new generation talent.

Bradford School of Arts and Media is all about the freedom to experiment, to think differently and to be an individual. The ‘09 exhibition demonstrates a culmination of years of hard work by a talented group of up and coming British designers and artists, with excellent levels of analysis and creative experimentation thrown into the eclectic mix.

The exhibitions fusion of disciplines include: Printmaking, Ceramics, Photography, Painting, Drawing, Illustration, Fashion, Surface Design, Textiles, Digital Arts, Motion Graphics, Interactive Design, Moving Images and Graphics. 

Speaking about the success of the Summer Show ‘09, Programme Manager for Higher Education Expressive Arts, Roger Hitchen said: “We have a lively programme of exhibitions, shows and performances that reflects the thoughtful, witty and striking art, design, performances, film and imagery from our students.”

Roger continued: “This year has seen a record number of people attending the show and there has been even more student work on display. There have been many successes within the Department that not only engage the students with their own study, but also facilitate them with the opportunity to think about the context of the world we work in as artists and designers.  Roger added: “Some of the students have been offered employment, as a result of visitors viewing the high quality work on display.”

Students from the School look set to follow in the footsteps of former students, Andy Goldworthy and David Hockney, as the eagerly anticipated show was well received. 

Visitors to the ’09 exhibition commented on the vibrant, diverse and innovative work of our student, hear what they had to say…

Former student, Lorna has been visiting the Summer Show for the last three years.  Lorna said: “I’ve only just walked in – but I like what I see already!”

Pauline attended the exhibition with Lorna and is also a former student of the School. She added: “It looks very interesting.  We never miss an opportunity to come back to see the quality of work here on display at Bradford.

Graduate of Fine Art, Michael is a former student of the School, returning to view this year’s showcase of work, Michele said: “It’s interesting for me to come back.  There’s a great deal of variety here at the show and I have been really impressed with one of the exhibitions based on ‘Architecture of Demolition’, which is the work of AA2A artist Brigitte Solitau.”

Brigitte Solitau is an ‘AA2A Artistic Access to Arts College’ student, exhibiting at the ‘09 show. The project is run by the CHEAD (Council for HE in Art and Design) and funded by the Arts Council England through the National Lottery Grants for Arts programme.  The AA2A project provides visual artists and designers with the opportunity to undertake a project using facilities in a HE or FE institution. Brigitte said: “It’s really great to have this opportunity at the end of AA2 scheme.  I’ve been working here for eight months and its been really nice to feel part of the place and to be welcomed.”

When asked how Graphic Design, Digital Media and Illustration student, Amy Broadbent felt about having her work displayed in the ‘09 exhibition, Amy said: “I’m quite proud actually.  Over the last three years my work has developed and evolved.  It’s nice to see people come and view the exhibition and take an interest.”  Amy hopes to pursue a career in advertising based on the knowledge she has gained on the course. 

Amy added:  “I think the course is really good.  I’ve got a few friends who have studied at other colleges and universities and they don’t seem to have enjoyed the experience as much as we have here at Bradford. You get a lot of help and feedback from the tutors.  They’ve also got a lot of contacts in the industry, which is very advantageous to us all.”

Explaining more about her work on display in the exhibition, Student, Carmel McHugh said: “It’s mainly illustration that is hand rendered, although there are digital aspects to it too.  My first brief was based on childhood nostalgia and the second was based on nature and the environment. ”

Student, Samia Kauser did not feel any pre-exhibition nerves before the show, she said: “The day I got accepted on the course, I knew exactly what I wanted at my end of year show - this is what I’ve been looking forward to since I started! Samia added: “I feel excited because I finally get to showcase what I’ve been working on for the last few years.”

Student, Mathew Martin based his exhibition on film posters and expressive typography, elaborating on his work, Martin said: “I like to experiment with type and print work.   My film posters are based on a film called ‘Empire of the Sun’.  The film is set in a prison war camp so I though it would be interesting to explore this genre further.”

Part-time Student, Jenny Crawford originally worked as an Art Librarian, before she decided to fulfil her dreams and study Art at Bradford College.  Jenny said:  This is something I’ve always wanted to do since I was 15. This is my first love really… this is what I want to do.” Commenting on the exhibiting Jenny added: “I’m absolutely thrilled! It’s the first time we’ve had the chance to have an exhibition and for a Year 0 student to have that experience before going on to the first year of the degree is fantastic!” Jenny plans to become a professional artist after she has completed her studies.

Arts & Media Summer Show '09 – Gallery