UoR’s Interim Art Exhibition

On Monday 10th February, the University of Reading welcomed our keen artists to their Fine Art Interim Exhibition. Forming part of their co-curricular activities, Art Club students were intrigued to check out the mid-way show, which takes place prior to the university’s Summer Exhibition.

The excursion included the chance to tour the School of Art’s facilities and studio spaces, as well as ask questions about studying creative subjects at a higher level, with staff and students alike. The tour was led by two current fourth year students and the exhibiting artists were enthusiastic to chat to students about their artwork.

The art school teachers and lecturers explained the courses on offer at Reading and discussed the interesting and varied careers their alumni have gone on to do, post-university, including; film, curation, animation, performance, illustration and graphic design.

For those considering studying a creative degree in the future, this was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the skills they could develop and how they could gain confidence in their artistic practice, both personally and professionally.

Resident Artist, Ella Sheppard, commented “The University of Reading has a progressive, contemporary and innovative art school with 150 years of history, offering the benefits of world-leading research. It is great for Leighton Park to make connections with universities like Reading, especially considering its proximity to the School.”

Exhibiting BA Art student, Laura Nicholson, said in discussing her recent work, “Not only was I able to refine my practical skills but I was also encouraged to think seriously about the political and ethical position of my work. Being in dialogue with practicing artists allowed me to take my work seriously as a means of participating in a larger conversation.”

Our artists enjoyed the opportunity to talk through themes they are currently exploring in their own work, with more experienced students of similar interests and receive advice on how they can develop their work in the future.

The Art Department are looking forward to becoming more involved in Arts at the University of Reading and plan to return to the School of Art for the Degree Show later in the year.