The first cohort of A-level Art candidates exhibited their work in a stunning end of year show in June 2017. The Private View took place on 16 June with an excellent turn out of visitors who were clearly extremely impressed by the work. The entire group of students: Darina Abuzarova, Edmund Gleave, Aykhan Mammadbayli, Anna Semenova and Nicole Shim, worked passionately and enthusiastically throughout the duration of their course. Each produced highly personal and comprehensive bodies of work to the highest standard. As expected this cohort set a high benchmark with 100% A* – B grades.
A number of the group have now gone on to study Art: Edmund Gleave faced stiff competition to win a place on Art Foundation at Central St Martin’s, London; Darina Abuzarova earned a place at the coveted Parson’s Design School in New York.
This was not a show with a ‘house style’, by contrast, the work was extremely varied and individual, demonstrating clearly the personal approaches and strengths of each student. From sophisticated realist figurative painting on a huge scale, by Darina, to a grungy teenage bedroom installation, complete with video (yes, remember VHS?!), technically stunning, but controversial paintings and a clothing range for sale, by Edmund! This show had something for every audience. It was, at times brave, slightly risky and a little alternative, but the quality was evident throughout. Nicole’s beautiful long strips of spray painted stencils in subtle colour combinations make a dramatic statement; Anna works exquisite embroidery into numerous photographic and hand drawn images; Aykhan uses the latest school technology with laser cut photographs on MDF, later manipulated into a striking mirror repeat design using Adobe Creative Suite.
Teaching of the course, led by Mrs Shouksmith and Mrs Moore, ensured that skills were built early on, allowing students’ room to develop in a personal and engaged manner. Their confidence certainly shone through within a show that continues to impress visitors.
The exhibition has now come to an end with a new exhibition by Graduate Art Assistant, Miss A Edwards, and Artist in Residence, Mr J Foster, launching 14 December 2017.
Mrs C Shouksmith, Head of Art
Miss A Edwards, graduate Art assistant