Talent Spotters: Lincoln
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Over the course of this year’s degree show season, CR readers will be guest blogging reviews of shows up and down the UK (and beyond). Here, Melly-Em Clark visits the University of Lincoln Degree Shows 2013
Illustration
Jon Cottam’s innovative re-workings of iconic film posters (above, below and top) give modern classics a fresh new aesthetic, challenging stereotypical colour palettes so commonly associated with the horror genre. As well as being visually arresting, Jon’s images express an in-depth observation, understanding and appreciation for the films’ concepts, themes and narratives.
Stephen Sharpe’s Final Major Project focused on illustrating engaging quotes from beloved comedians such as Jo Brand and Eddie Izzard. Stephen’s work both displays his expertise in usage of colour and composition and portrays the lively, bizarre and comedic aspects of the quotes, encapsulating the highlights of British wit.
Rachel Sanson’s impressive usage of collage and mixed media creates a uniquely textured aesthetic within her expertly rendered images. Rachel’s quirky character design and memorable visual signature makes her a promising new voice within the industry of Illustration, her work ideal for children’s picture books and book jacket design.
FINE ART
Portraiture is an art form that, at times, can heavily rely upon a knowledge of personality and attributes. Christopher Bagnall’s paintings are based on observations of strangers, people he knows nothing about. Working in this way focuses the portrait to appreciate the immediate and external aspects of a person. With its expressive nature and fascinating composition, Christopher captures the anonymity of strangers and the fleeting moments in which we encounter them.
Chloe Leach’s exhibit communicates the impossible preservation of organic life and its inevitable decay and death. In her installation, Galanthus, Nivalis and Narcissus, she entraps a vast amount of elegant plants within a small doorway, As the show ran its two week course, visitors were able to witness the transformation and gradual decline of vitality. As the display slowly withers, we are encouraged to appreciate and notice nature for its beauty, while it lasts. Looking into Chloe’s work arouses curiosity and admiration for the life and death of nature.
Within the art industry, identity is crucial, we analyse and display ourselves, our interests and influences. Within her work, Claire Elizabeth Slade explores identity through the most commonly used part of the artist, the hands. Claire’s focus on the physical aspects of character, such as teeth and fingerprints, rather than personality or presentation, is a refreshing approach to the concept. Claire’s exhibit is beautifully arranged and displayed, with intricate attention to detail, creating a very elegant aesthetic.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Chris Jellinek’s book cover design for Ken Kasey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest uses simplistic imagery with strong connotations to represent the story’s theme. In his strongest design, he uses the powerful iconography of cogs, a visual signifier for intricacy, technology and complication. With Kasey’s story being arranged within a psychiatric hospital, this image work perfectly. With a beautifully rendered illustration and gentle typography, Chris’ cover represents the book with professionalism and understanding.
CONTEMPORARY LENS MEDIA
Chiara Simpson
Chiara Simpson’s work, Older People in Havana, Cuba, are vibrant, energetic portraits that reflect the warm and vivacious nature of the cultural landscape of Cuba. Her approach to the camera is simplistic, drawing the focus to the lively and charismatic subjects encompassing the frame. These images, part of a series, are a fascinating documentation of one person’s reaction to a culture with many layers of history and beauty.
Photos by Dominic Clark
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The July issue of Creative Review is a type special, with features on the Hamilton Wood Type Museum, the new Whitney identity and the resurgence of type-only design. Plus the Logo Lounge Trend Report, how Ideas Foundation is encouraging diversity in advertising and more.
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