'SURVIVAL '
As they approach the end of the year, our Foundation students are given a topic to consider for their final project. This year’s title is ‘Survival’ and it has formed the starting point, the basis of research, ideas and developmental outcomes of the work presented in this exhibition.
The title ‘Survival’ is an oddly recurrent theme in our comfortable lives – the media finds disasters, and those who survive them, of particular interest. Also surviving personal troubles such as illness or addiction, and ultimately the survival of the planet. Students were tasked to ask themselves what survival means to them, personally and collectively. What do we need in order to survive in a particular place, at a particular time? What if we know we can’t survive? How should the artist or designer address these issues – philosophically, practically, politically or personally?
This year has been like no other in my 20 years of working on Foundation, almost a full academic year of Covid lockdown has forced us into our homes and out of public and social spaces. The students have taken on this challenge, responding with energy and enthusiasm to the uncertain times we find ourselves in. It gives me great pleasure to share the creativity that has been applied throughout the year on Foundation and I am sure you can sense the time and effort that has gone into producing this collection of work. I would like to thank, friends, families and relatives for their support and encouragement. I would also like to thank my core staff team, Shellie, Anthony, Jason, Becky along with the support from the faculty Staff, Dave, Craig, Julia and Martin. A very special thank you to my technicians Tash and recently retired Terri for all of their hard work, dedication and understanding. Most of all, I would like to thank all of the Foundation students and wish you all success in your creative futures.
Katherine Clewett, Programme Manager, Cert HE Art and Design Foundation
