University of Brighton presents showcase of innovative art and design at annual Summer Shows

Regularly attracting thousands of visitors, the Summer Shows feature works from final year students studying a diverse range of arts-based subjects including painting, printmaking, graphics and illustration, fashion, photography, sound art, history of art and design and architecture.

The event spans Moulsecoomb and City campuses, creating a unique opportunity for the public, industry, and prospective students to experience the creative atmosphere that thrives at the University of Brighton. More than just an exhibition, it is a brilliant platform for students to engage and network with other artists and the public.

Duncan Bullen, Associate Dean, in the School of Art and Media said: “You can sense the anticipation and excitement as workshops, studios and seminar spaces are transformed into an exhibition showcase.

Artwork by Abby French

“Our students across all creative disciplines have once again put together fantastic accomplishments to produce amazing work, demonstrating determination, resilience, and innovation, underpinned by intersecting themes that address the global challenges we all face. The summer show celebrates their achievements and welcomes everyone to share our student’s successes.”

A key theme of the Summer Shows is sustainable practices, with many exhibits demonstrating a conscious effort to address environmental challenges and explore solutions through creative means, from upcycled materials to environmentally friendly production techniques.

This annual event not only celebrates the achievements of graduating students but also provides a glimpse into the future of art, design, and creative innovation. The exhibits showcased at the Summer Shows often push boundaries, challenge conventions, and inspire new ways of thinking.

Abby French, Illustration (BAHons) graduate is looking forward to displaying her work and has already received recognition for her craft with one of her animations being used within BBCs Great British Menu Finale and having illustrations displayed across over 26 benches throughout the Brighton Marina.

Abby said: “I am an illustrator through and through. I work in a number of mediums but more recently I have been exploring quick expressive pen illustration style that convey stories within a single frame in a similar way to artists like David Shrigley and Mr Bingo.”

Display by Anthea Clarke

Anthea Clarke, graduating in Digital Music and Sound Arts (BAHons), is also preparing to display her final project ‘Homeland’ an audio-visual album inspired by trips to see her family in Barbados.

Anthea said: “Whilst in Barbados over lockdowns I recorded nature, conversations and environmental sounds. The recordings became the basis of my uni assignments, which are now part of the album, Homeland.

“It was the first time I had spent so much time in Barbados, and I had never thought it is as home before, but I now think of it as my second home with the album focusing on identity and spiritual connections to land and ancestors.”

Anthea has enjoyed her time at Brighton sharing: “from the very first assignment I experimented and took my sound somewhere I’d never explored before. The course has been really life changing for me.”

Exhibition details

Graduate Show: Art, design and media: 3–11 June

Architecture and Design End of Year Show: Architecture, interiors and product design: 3–9 June

MA Show: Art, design and media: 8-15 July

Visit the Summer Shows website

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