4 Photography Collectives To Watch Out For This Degree Show Season
Evan Merner for #PHOTOGRAPHY Magazine
It’s degree show season! Which means that there’s an array of wonderfully talented students showcasing their final bodies of work up and down the country. Whilst it’s important to support emerging artists, it’s often hard to know where to start. We’ve made it easy for you and rounded up four of our favourite shows that you need to check out this summer. We’ve also selected some of the best images from each showcase to tempt you with. Carry on reading our handy guide to discover a little bit more about each collective of promising young artists…
INSITE CU
INSITE is a collective of thirty-five emerging photographers from Coventry University(and as Coventry Alumi ourselves, also one close to our hearts). As a culmination of their three years of study, the exhibition showcases a range of topics — from fan’s stories in reaction to David Bowie’s death, to the ethicality of stalking strangers. Their individual photographic styles provide the basis for a unique combination of work, with photographers from a wide range of artistic backgrounds and interests producing images, books and video pieces.
INSITE has been open to the public at Fargo Village (CV1 5ED) since the 28th of May. Due to great success and such positive public feedback, their opening days have been extended and will be showing until 5th of June at the request of the venue.
They will also be showing at the Free Range show in London from the 30th June to the 4th of July. (F Block T4)
For sneak previews of the brilliant work being exhibited, visit www.insitecu.co.uk. They also have a great Instagram @insiteCU which in the lead up to the opening, has been filled with daily artist takeovers.
Optic
Optic are a group of photography students from the University of West London who were given the opportunity to showcase their work as part of the annual Free Range show. The work being exhibited shows how the group of students have transformed the way in which they view and document the world around them. Exploring a vast array of genres and themes ranging from identity and fantasy through to place and memory, this is an extensive collection of original photography displaying experimental techniques in both pre and post-production. An impressive body of work that is definitely worth a visit.
Optic will be open to the public as part of the Free Range show from Friday 1st — Sunday 3rd of July 10am till 7pm and Monday 4th July 10am till 4pm. (F Block T1)
For a sneak preview and behind the scenes action, check out: www.opticshow.co.uk
FE4TURE
FE4TURE are a group of sixteen photographers from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. Covering a wide range of genres such as fashion, portraiture, documentary and advertising, this is a strong collection of fresh talent. Aiming to connect with their audience on both a commercial and creative level, FE4TURE will be exhibiting high-class images and providing us with an insight into the very best that Ravensbourne has to offer.
Be sure to check out their work at the Free Range show in London from 29th June to 4th July. (F Block T4)
For a taster into the work being exhibited, visit www.fe4ture.com
Napier Collective
Napier Collective is a multi-national collective made up of fourteen members from all over Europe, studying at Edinburgh Napier University. All of the members practice a wide range of disciplines and have varying interests, so the show covers a variety of themes and concepts. Expect to see a mix of documentary, fine art, studio and portraiture work exploring ideas such as identity, sexuality, gender and social commentary. Napier Collective is an inspiring showcase of talent.
Running since 2013, this year the degree show was held at D Level Gallery in May and the work will also be exhibited at the Free Range show in London in June.
Check out some behind-the-scenes shots at www.napiercollective.tumblr.com
Exhibiting in London 23rd June- 27th June: F Block G4
Due to a happy coincidence, all of the degree shows featured here will also be exhibiting at Free Range, a project set up in 2001 which aims to provide graduates with the opportunity to showcase their work on an international level. Free Range has quickly become the number one platform for creatives and annually presents the work of thousands of art and design students in several categories including: fashion, graphics, art, interior design and of course photography!
It’s one of the best places to spot new talent so make sure you pay the show a visit. It’ll be open 4th June — 18th July at The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL and good news, admission is free.
Written by Evan Merner @EvanCPhoto
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