Author: Alan Holligan

In an era of austerity, reasons to fund the arts: Article from The Art Newspaper

Culture is a social language that we would be dumb without
It is 70 years since a British government last had to take the arts seriously. In December 1939, in a world darkened by war, winter and blackout, a small group of civil servants and educators met to discuss the crisis in the arts. Great museums and galleries were empty, their contents packed off to safety from bombing. The theatres were shut, orchestras about to disband. The committee agreed that it was essential “to show publicly and unmistakably that the Government cares about the cultural life of the country. This country is supposed to be fighting for civilisation.”

The rest of this article can be read by clicking here: The Art Newspaper

The writer is professor of cultural policy and leadership studies at City University London

Graduate Profiles ETC…. Hayley Mathers

It’s Degree Show time again and as always we will doing our best to get round as many shows as possible. This year started with Duncan of Jordanstone (DoJ) College of Art in Dundee where the stand out presentation was by Hayley Mathers. Understandably, we could be accused of bias as Hayley happens to have graduated from the ETC HND in 2007, however media coverage of the shows (see links below) and a 1st Class Honours degree appear to confirm our judgement.

Hayley’s work in the show is thoughtful, well crafted and mature. Her installation brings together a collection of drawn, sculptural and photographic offerings in a series of articulate connections between topics, people and conversations within media.

“The materials that I use in my installations reflect my method of research, which is entirely third hand; from documentaries, film and Internet research (which may be inaccurate). The works I have shown at my degree show intend to present elements of this research and reference their surroundings, bringing together my interest in these topics and a contemporary perspective.”

Hayley joined the HND course at Edinburgh’s Telford College in 2005 directly from high school and made an immediate impact with her considered and energetic approach. She quickly grew in confidence and in 2007 she gained direct entry in to year 2 (Level eight) at DoJ.

“My time at Telford provided me with an excellent background in contemporary art which was invaluable in helping me succeed at art college. As well as meeting a great group of people, the HND course built up my confidence and gave me the skills to develop my practice independently and get the most out of my degree.”

Hayley takes up a post at the National Galleries of Scotland later this month and intends to continue the development of her art practice. We look forward to the results.

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/features/Art-preview-The-degree-show.6329461.jp

http://cruxof.it/2010/06/01/hayleymathers/

Cabin Fever: 2010 Diploma Show

The opening night of this years HND Contemporary Art Diploma Exhibition ‘Cabin Fever’ was very well attended as always and the work was up to the usual excellent standards.

This years graduates will be going on to take up places on year 2 & 3 degree courses at;

  • Edinburgh College of Art (Drawing & Painting, Sculpture)
  • Glasgow School of Art (Sculpture & Environmental Art)
  • Duncan of Jordanstone Collage of Art (Fine Art)
  • Central St Martins College of Art & Design (Fine Art)
  • Cumbria Univesity (Fine Art)

Congratulations and well done to all!

Louise Bourgeois 1911 – 2010

 

In a career spanning more than six decades, the work of Louise Bourgeois encompassed the fields of sculpture and installation, painting, drawing, prints and illustrated books, which have been influenced strongly by autobiographical and psychological experiences as well as Surrealism. Born, Paris in 1911, Louise Bourgeois studied at various art schools and assisted in the tapestry restoration business of her father where she made drawings for restorations. With her husband, an art historian specializing in tribal arts, she moved to New York in 1938 and continued her studies at the Arts Students’ League in New York, before developing her complex and unique artistic work.

Lousie Bourgeois died of a heart attack on may 31st 2010 aged 98. She is survived by her two sons.

http://www.galeriepieceunique.com/infoframes/bourgeois.htm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/may/31/louise-bourgeois-obituary-art

FOR INFORMATION ON FINE ART COURSES IN EDINBURGH PLEASE CLICK HERE

Cabin Fever Opening this Friday.

HND Contemporary Art Practice Diploma Exhibition CABIN FEVER opens this Friday the 28th May at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop.

After 9 months locked in the CAP Cabin the graduating students of this innovative fine art course will present their individual take on the world they inhabit from minimal abstraction to site specific installation the work.

Full details can be found on the poster below: