Talent on show at Gray’s Postgraduate Degree Show

The Master’s Show is a staple in the calendar and will showcase the work of this year’s talented MA cohort across Sculpture, Photography, Curation, Product Design, Contemporary Art Practice, Communication Design, and Fashion and Textiles.

This year’s show hopes to inspire conversation and includes a thought-provoking, innovative and imaginative collection of work that addresses significant common themes across social, environmental, personal, cultural and political issues.

The exhibition is free to visit and opens to the public from Saturday 24 - Saturday 31 August. Visitors will be able to visit Gray’s dedicated studios and exhibition space to explore the multitude of talent on show.

This year we the University is proud to present work from the following master’s students: Sairaj Ravinderdev, Mukhammadsodik Abdurakhmonov, Cyrielle Delord, Bhavitha Ganeshna, Neelima Mummadisetti, Kellis Reid, Christy Shafack and Carla Angus.

The school is also hosting an accompanying exhibition to showcase graduate fine artists and designers from Gray’s Graduate in Residence 2023 – 2024 programme. This programme offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates of Gray’s to spend a year supporting the art school’s Fine Art & Design curriculum, whilst developing their practice.

Dean for Gray’s School of Art, Dan Allen, said: “We are really excited to be showcasing the work of our talented students from our master’s art and design course and Gray’s Graduate in Residence programme. We look forward to celebrating the creative achievements of each of our students from their intensive year of postgraduate study and to welcoming members of the public, friends, families and industry to Gray’s School of Art.

“As an influential, multidisciplinary art school, Gray’s offers an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters critically and socially engaged, enterprising creatives. Many of our students have progressed from our undergraduate program here at Gray’s School of Art or have returned to study after working in industry to develop their practice as part of Gray’s specialist and interdisciplinary master’s curriculum. 

“I can’t wait to welcome everyone to both the masters and Graduate in Residence exhibition to see the eclectic work on show.”

One of the master’s students exhibiting is Carla Angus from Banff, who has also been selected on to next year’s Graduate in Residence programme at Gray’s. With a background in theatre design, the master’s Contemporary Art Practice student wanted to return to education to challenge herself with new areas of creative work. 

Her MA degree show focuses on arts in heritage, and Carla hopes people will feel intrigued, interested, and possibly challenged by her work that includes a sculptural installation inspired by seal hunting within Inuit and European cultures and an augmented reality piece that explores the British colonies in the 19th and 20th centuries.

“My work is rooted in the belief that objects, such as artefacts, buildings, and people, are more comprehensively and empathetically understood when considered from multiple points of view. 

“I’ve so enjoyed my time here, it’s been wonderful to spread my wings and engage my brain in a new creative way; I’ve worked with metal, clay, cloth, resin, digital platforms, found objects and drawing and the facilities at Gray’s have been fantastic.

“It’s been hard work at times balancing my job, family life, other commitments, and travelling, but definitely worth it.”

The postgraduate showcase is free and open to the public. The event launches with an open night on Friday 23 August before fully opening to the public from 24 – 31 August.

Main image: Left to right: Carla Angus, Cyrielle Delord, Bhavitha Ganeshna, Sairaj Ravinderdev, Mukhammadsodik Abdurakhmonov, Kellis Reid and Neelima Mummadisetti.