Student Focus: RCA Degree Show 2017

Paul Bailey went along to see the show. Why the Royal College of Art?

One answer is the quality of the courses and the people who teach there that have world recognition for excellence.

The RCA is unique in the UK as it is purely a postgraduate college for the arts. There is stiff competition for places and students come from all over the world.

 

The Senior Tutor of Ceramics & Glass, Felicity Aylieff describes the course as follows, “our students are chosen from a variety of backgrounds and when they arrive in the 1st year they undergo a range of technical projects that will underpin the making of future work. It will also include some IT skills needed in the design process. The 2nd year is built around the particular needs of the students, and is based on individual one-to one tutorials bringing in a range of artists and practitioners, many running successful studios or businesses, to work with them as their lecturers. Added to this is a team of expert technicians.”

Above: ‘Talons’ by Roseanne Connolly

 

The show itself presents some very cutting edge work. The students have to question their work in its role and purpose, and how things are linked to everyday life. They challenge conventions, and are driven by curiosity, both real and virtual. They explore new technologies, crossing techniques for new forms. They are at the forefront of current contemporary art and design practice.

 

Above: Ceramics by Irina Razumovskaya

 

Talking about the experience of being at the College, Felicity commented, “What the students get from being here is an environment of experimentation and self-development. The course is built around the needs of individual students and supported by professional makers and technicians. The College is a creative hub and a lifelong link to other makers. At the end of the course there is a rigorous examination and an exhibition of work. Anyone considering applying should attend one of our open days where the facilities and the whole creative atmosphere can be experienced”.

 

Above: Ceramics by Christopher Riggio

 

Above: ‘Foreign Growth’ by Eusebio Sanchez

 

Above: ‘Lightning Box’ by Ilona Broeseliske

 

Above: ‘The shrine of an average 20 something year old’ by Connor Coulston

 

Above: Ceramics by Amber Zuber

 

Above: ‘Enigmatic Extension’ by Lucille Lewin (winner of Young Masters Maylis Grand Ceramics Prize 2017)

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