Degree Show: Some terrific talent to be found at Plymouth College of Art

Degree show season is very nearly upon us and students, universities, media and employers are about to launch head-first into the craziest few weeks on the creative calendar. One of the highlights promises to be the Plymouth College of Art summer show, taking over three buildings, four floors and 20 exhibition spaces across the city centre campus.

The class of 2014 from courses inlcuding fine art, illustration, film, fashion and photography courses are following in their predecessor’s impressive footsteps; recent graduates have worked with clients like adidas and Vice, been featured in publications like Dazed & Confused and recognised by the likes of the Aesthetica Short Film Festival.

Below are some of the students to look out for ahead of the exhibition which runs from 11 to 18 June at Tavistock Place, Plymouth, PL4 8AT; it’s free and open to the public.

Siobhan Fedden’s artistic and curatorial practice explores systems within the art world, specifically focusing on the role of institutions and their relationship with technology. Working primarily with moving image, Siobhan used the opportunity of a residency at contemporary art space KARST to explore the construction of projection spaces in galleries, using found materials within the space to produce the structure.
www.siobhanfedden.tumblr.com

Ex-marine Matt Elliott has used his intimate knowledge of the life of a serving soldier to tremendous effect. Following his recent documentary study of recruits undergoing Marine training, Matt has expanded upon this with a study into PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). The series brings to light contemporary issues facing those who have served, or are still serving, and those who are affected by the illness.
www.about.me/matthew_elliott

For his final major project, Tom German constructs an observational portrait of the surfer John Eldridge. Inspired by the works of Desillusion Magazine and What Youth, Somewhere Else is a collaborative process with the subject, who made sure the film remained relevant in exploring the subcultural elements of his life. Broken down into sections, it examines elements of surfing, board shaping and motorbike customisation, more specifically concentrating on how living in England has impacted on being part of these things and the struggles that come with it.
www.vimeo.com/tomgerman

Process investigates the emotions involved in the art of creating. Through the exploration and metaphor of one man’s craft, the film exposes the process of its own production. It blurs the line between fact and fiction and is inspired by the Raw DIY ethos and aesthetics of the No Wave movement, Wes Anderson’s stylistic cinematography, character and set design, French New Wave, and the work of Jim Jarmusch to name but a few. The film was shot entirely on expired 16mm surveillance film and hand processed and with this comes a heightened attention to detail, stylised compositions and a unique feel, solidifying the films originality and purpose.
www.vimeo.com

Andrew Ford has produced a personal body of work exploring the physical and psychological landscape of Cornwall. Building upon his previous work Ebb which explores the dichotomy of life in the resort town of Newquay, Bolerium sees his attentions turn to the isolated region of West Penwith. Relics of early neolithic man, heavy industry, farming, fishing and tourism exist amongst the region’s raw geology. The work draws together these themes to evoke a sense of place that is so distinct to Penwith, and explores the region in a way that moves beyond the picturesque postcard vistas we are so familiar with.
www.andyfordphotography.co.uk

Tom’s work with the charity Shekinah Mission documents members of it’s Re:solve facility, which helps people dealing with issues like past criminal convictions, poverty, homelessness and substance abuse. Through the work he encourages reflection, questioning and debate about how society judges individuals, and reveals the hard work and dedication that members go through to reform their lives. The series has been recognised by Robin Maddock (photographer and author of Our Kids Are Going to Hell and God Forgotten Faces); both are working in collaboration to publish a book for the project.
www.tomcoghillphotography.com

This body of work draws on the landscape of Adele’s hometown and comments on the notion of “home” and property as investment. The game of Monopoly introduces people to the world of property investment and speculation and this motif is used as a single, modular unit to create larger buildings. Each house is part of the larger system of mortgage borrowing and lending.
www.airdalecrafts.blogspot.co.uk