Top TeN artists to display work in Ruskin Gallery
Art by graduating MA students will feature in new exhibition at ARU in Cambridge
Work by Francesca Gagni
Personal stories and the fragility of relationships are at the heart of a new art exhibition at Anglia Ruskin University’s Cambridge campus, running from 25 July to 6 August.
The free public exhibition, called TeN, will showcase the creative talents of 10 students graduating this autumn from the MA in Fine Art course at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), and will be held in ARU’s Ruskin Gallery.
Amongst the diverse artwork on show will be a series of ceramics inspired by handwritten letters received by the artist’s family, and thought-provoking sculptures, crafted from recycled material, highlighting themes of change and regeneration.
Sue Lowndes, a former social worker who has been studying on the MA on a part-time basis, said: “My work is a response to a collection of letters saved over many years. This is very personal work – autobiographical in many ways.
“I chose ceramics for its versatility and its ability to convey both strength and fragility, mirroring the change in relationships over time. I hope this work resonates with visitors to the exhibition, who will be able to connect with it in their own ways.”
Francesca Gagni’s sculptures also tell a personal story, based on her farming roots. Francesca, who progressed to the MA having completed the BA in Fine Art at ARU, said: “For this exhibition I have been working with upcycled and recycled materials to produce tactile sculptural pieces.
“My work is informed by my farming background, and working with these materials speaks of regeneration. My aim is for the audience to engage with my work as a sensorial experience.”
The Degree Show exhibition marks a significant milestone in the creative and professional journey of these 10 artists, whose diverse life experiences and backgrounds informs their work.
“The MA Fine Art course is challenging; it asks students to reconsider their work as artists, which can throw everything up in the air in relation to what they thought they knew about their approach to art.
“By imagining alternative ways of viewing society, the students also ‘remake’ themselves and become more confident, knowledgeable artists. Seeing this transformation is one of the greatest joys in my role as Course Director.”
Course Director Dr Véronique ChancePublic access to the Ruskin Gallery during the MA Fine Art Show is via the MacKenzie Road entrance, off Mill Road, and directions for disabled access will be from the Mackenzie Road entrance.