Art News Art in Action
Back in December our Sixth Form Fine Art students and Scholars attended a visually stimulating, eye-opening, informative and immersive lecture day in London. They listened to a number of leading contemporary artists working in different areas of art and design, including award-winning set and costume designer Tom Piper MBE who talked about creative challenges, change and chaos. Piper was the designer for the acclaimed poppy installation at the Tower of London. We also heard from digital artist Roz Hall who specialises in portraiture created on tablet and mobile devices, whose artwork blurs the boundaries between contemporary art and personal and social media. Roz discussed the use of touch screen technologies in contemporary art, famously embraced by David Hockney. As he spoke he gave a fantastic ‘live’ demonstration with a member of the audience as his subject which was incredible to see. After each lecture students had
the opportunity to ask the artists questions and two of our students, Kinna and Shion, made the most of this opportunity. We definitely all left feeling inspired and ready to inject some of the ideas explored during the day through into our own work. ‘I enjoyed listening to Tom Piper explain the design challenges he faces with physical space by reaching out his stage design to the audience to create an immersive experience.’ Jannace Bond, Upper Sixth ‘Whilst listening and watching the digital demo by Roz Hall, I realised I need to be less precise, going with the flow to reach the best outcome rather than trying to reach the perfect portrait.’ Julia Richardson, Upper Sixth
Glass Workshop
This academic year our Art students have had the exciting opportunity to work with our Art Technician Jacky Pennock to create glass structures. After leaving school, Jacky began working for a stained-glass company in Brighton, where she learnt her craft using the Tiffany method. She has her own small Etsy business as well as being a regular at artisan fairs. In the Advent Term students initially created basic glass pieces to practise their cutting skills, using copper foil, soldering, staining and polishing. Once they had mastered these techniques they were given the opportunity to create their own design. Students made an array of glass forms including cubes, lanterns, geometric terrariums and dishes. In the Lent Term they created structures with recycled glass using traditional techniques, and produced a collection of pieces using old greenhouse glass with its scratches and odd marks adding character to each individual piece. ‘I have really enjoyed working with the students, teaching them in the same way I was taught all those years ago!’ Jacky Pennock
Art School celebrates LGBT History Month
The Art School celebrated LGBT History Month by recognising LGBT art and artists both past and present. LGBT art has been taught through Art History with a key focus on ‘art and identity’. During February thought-provoking films and interviews discussing LGBT art were shared with the whole College community. Week one featured a tour through the Tate Britain that showcased works related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer identities to mark the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England. In week two we looked at the work of artist Jenny Saville as she considered ‘why human bodies fascinate’. Our celebration concluded with Grayson Perry’s Born Risky as he discussed his gender identity, from cross-dressing as a boy to being ‘a man in a dress’. 18
The Quad • Lent 2020
