The future faces of the art world last night showcased their work at Gray’s School of Art annual degree show.
The creative offerings of 150 undergraduates went on show at the Garthdee campus with paintings, photography, fashion. product design and textiles all on show.
Last night head of the school, Professor Chris O’Neil, said the building had “come alive” on the first night of the degree show with staff and students also marking 130 years since the school was established in Aberdeen.
The presentation of the BP Fine Art and Design Awards was also made last night.
The design award was won by communication design student Amy Causer, 21, of Orkney, for her documentary photography project which encouraged Kirkwall locals to depict their island way of life.
The images were bound into separate collections with covers made of materials ranging from astro turf to ceramics.
The fine art award was won by painting student Craig Lee, 22, who focused on the process of painting for his final year’s work.
Contemporary art practice student Tako Taal, 26, was highly commended in the fine art category as was product design student Debbie Neish, 21, for the design award.
Mr O’Neil added: “Degree shows are when art schools come alive and the huge effort and struggle of students becomes public.
“It is an opportunity to celebrate their insight, their learning and their talent and we are very grateful to BP for continuing to support us in providing such a wonderful platform for our graduating students to show off their work and what they are capable of to the wider community.
“This year, Gray’s School of Art is marking 130 years of raising creative profiles in the north-east.
“John Gray founded the school to contribute to society and our cultural health and that is what Gray’s does, what it has been doing for over a century and what we will continue to do.”
Regional president of BP North Sea, Trevor Garlick, said: “In these challenging times for the oil industry in the north-east, BP is pleased to continue its support of the Gray’s School of Art Degree Show for the twelfth year.”
The art school was originally founded in 1885 by local businessman, John Gray, in a building neighbouring Aberdeen Art Gallery, with staff and students moving to Garthdee in the 1960s.
