Cyrielle Delord - MA Fine Art

Having always wanted to study abroad, Fine Art master’s student, Cyrielle from the South West of France, has produced a stunning exhibition that explores the place of women in the Scottish Highlands and Islands during the 20th century.

“From when I was young, I kept telling my loved ones that I wanted to study in an English-speaking country and potentially live there.

“Like other prospective students, I spent a lot of time checking one website after another, trying to find the best option and then I found Gray’s School of Art. The information given was so interesting and the more I searched about it, the more I discovered how satisfied graduates were about their courses.

“The facilities at Gray’s including the dedicated workshops and studios, along with the school’s close links with industry looked fantastic. Another important point for me was the fees which were less expensive than in some other British universities.”

Cyrielle’s experience at RGU has not disappointed. She has loved Gray's School of Art's nurturing community, which has really inspired her practice, and says her tutors have been very supportive.

“For my master’s project, I decided to create an exhibition showcasing three photographs taken by the early 20th century British author and photography pioneer, Mary Ethel Muir Donaldson. Her images question various topics such as the place of women in the Scottish Highlands and Islands at this time and the relationship between them and the photographer.

“My exhibition is a way for me to participate in the recognition of women artists and their work, whilst interpreting it through a modern and poetical lens.”

Now that Cyrielle is finishing her MA, she's keen to build a career in Scotland and looks back fondly on her experience studying abroad.

“Scotland felt like home as soon as I arrived, and I now can’t imagine leaving. I am therefore trying to find a job that will help me establish myself in Alba for as long as possible.”