THE CURATOR'S VIEW – January 2014
"It
is always surprising how quickly the Annual Graduate Show comes round. It seems
but a short time since I was extolling the virtues of new and emerging talent.
I am trying to ignore the possibility that this may be a phenomenon related to
the ageing of the curator!
Regular
visitors to the Show will know that we select graduates from across the
country. The message isn't that these are the best from the 2016 crop – best is
such a subjective word – rather that they are makers who attracted Clare
Macfarlane and I when we saw the large numbers of graduates at New Designers
last July.
What
is noticeable is the small group amongst the graduate population who at an
early stage recognise that becoming a professional, post university, requires a
range of skills and experience beyond making. The ones that truly impress have
a clear head about what they will show, early completion of paperwork and
images and of course the timely delivery of the exhibition pieces. If only this
were the norm. On the other hand we are only too aware of the pressures on
graduates to get work to pay their bills and to live life.
This
show has a number of interesting and immensely creative makers and we hope that
visitors will derive great pleasure from looking (and buying!) pieces and
importantly casting a vote for the graduate that is best liked. As in previous
years we will be supporting the maker who gains the most votes.
One
innovation this year is to add an exhibitor who is still at university and due
to graduate next year. Under the banner of One to Watch we are showing the
latest work of a Hereford College student. We will certainly be keeping an eye
on her development during her final year.
Do
come to see the Show – stretch the legs after Christmas - let us know what you feel about these
new exhibitors."
Stuart Dickens
No comments:
Post a Comment