Welcome to the 2007 Fine Art Degree Show at De Montfort University. The degree show provides a public showcase for graduating students at the beginning of their careers and presents the diverse and varied nature of Fine Art at DMU. The work shown reflects the aim of the course to develop individual creativity in contemporary approaches to fine art to a high standard.
The show marks a high point in the academic year. It is very rewarding to see the abilities of the students realised in a body of stimulating and professional work. Many individual achievements are outstanding and all are the result of research and application, and of talent and invention; demonstrating how challenging and fulfilling the experience of studying fine art is. Behind all of the work on show is a thorough investigation of the traditions, ideas and debates of fine art.
For Fine Art the degree show is not just a presentation of work that has been made on the course. The show is a professional exhibition, almost always an essential and integral outcome of any fine art activity. It acts as a focus or catalyst for the work. It provides students with the opportunity of investigating the nature of an exhibition, of exploring how work can be presented in a gallery-like environment and experienced by the public. It is the culmination of the course and a learning experience in its own right. Some students make work especially for the show and some might not exist after the exhibition ends.
This catalogue is major piece of professional practice in itself, requiring as it does that the students work together to organise, finance and produce it. One fund raising activity, the Fine Art Auction, has become a popular fixture in the academic year, attracting a large audience from inside and outside the University. Many people left the event with original works of art at very affordable prices. This year the event struck yet another record for the being the most successful to date. The students are to be congratulated on this achievement. The catalogue will serve to remind those involved of their experiences and achievements over the last three or more years in studying Fine Art at De Montfort University.
Each generation of students encounters a new and changing world. They develop practices that involve working with materials and media, through which they create new experiences for us, the audience. In this way these emerging artists help us to re-imagine the world and its future.
The staff team wish them all every success in their future careers. Meanwhile I hope that you enjoy the exhibition and this accompanying catalogue.
Ian Kirkwood
Head, School of Fine and Applied Art
