29th May 2008 - 12th Jun 2008
Grand Parade Campus
Over 500 graduating students from the University of Brighton are set to showcase their work at the acclaimed Burt Brill & Cardens Graduate Show 2008. An annual highlight of the arts calendar for the south, the renowned Faculty of Arts and Architecture is transformed into a massive gallery, showcasing work in a staggering range of media and subject areas from 25 courses.
An artistic celebration attracting over 15,000 visitors each year, the graduate show is accompanied by a bumper programme of activities in the university garden including: the much talked about Graduate Fashion Show on Saturday 31 May; a Family Day with the return of the hugely popular Big Knit where novices and pros come together with their knitting needles on Sunday 1 June.
The University of Brighton prides itself on producing some of the UK's most talented artists and designers. Past graduates include legendary Biba designer, Barbara Hulanicki and Turner Prize-winners Keith Tyson and Rachel Whiteread. Fashion graduate Julien Macdonald was voted British Designer of the Year 2001 and Gresham Blake has become modish tailor to style-conscious stars and listed in Time Out as one of Brighton's new wave of entrepreneurs. Keren Craig has also had outstanding success as one half of fashion duo Marchesa, the British couture label and must-have brand among Hollywood celebrities.
The graduate show provides an ideal opportunity to discover the next generation of budding artists, where the public can explore exhibits, commission artwork or build an art collection from students before they become stars. There are also special pre-booked art tours organised for local schools during the week - a great way to inspire young people about a career in the creative industries.
Fashion and textiles student Helena Dunn will use zips and seams graphically and decoratively against delicate wool jerseys, silks and hardwearing denims in her womenswear collection. Her sophisticated conceptual approach to dress design takes inspiration from her nine-month work placement with Hussein Chalayan.
The School of Architecture will unveil innovative new trends in building design in the extensive show of drawings and models. Designs will include those of Sheena Haurdhan, who explores the design of living accommodation on the moon to support engineers maintaining a nuclear power station.
The ever-popular Wood, Metal, Ceramics and Plastics course adds yet another dimension to this exhibition of fresh talent. See Japanese-inspired stop-frame animations exploring elements of surprise with intricate wooden and paper props by Elizabeth Thomas (pictured above), while Thomas Forsyth's mischievous connecting toys will challenge preconceptions towards rules within adulthood play.
