Creative minds explore London to the fullest
In response to the research and development requirement that forms part of the A Level Art and Design course, pupils in Lower and Upper Sixth spent a day visiting galleries and museums in London.
Starting at The Newport Street Gallery in Lambeth, pupils came face to face with the latest work produced by Damien Hirst, Shepard Fairey and Invader – three artists who between them have been responsible for shaping the art landscape in the UK over the last decade.
Particularly interesting was that most of what was displayed had been created in collaboration, meaning that design elements and motifs associated with each artist were combined in a single piece. While this could have resulted in work that jarred, in fact the opposite was true, and the show was bold and visually exciting.
Following this, the group split into two, with those studying Textiles making their way to see the wonderful collection housed in the V & A Museum before exploring current trends in the shops around New Bond Street, Carnaby Street and in Liberty’s.
Meanwhile, the pupils studying Art made their way to Tate Britain where they were able to explore their permanent collection of British art, before moving onto The Courtauld Gallery which, in addition to the wonderful permanent collection, is currently hosting an exhibition of work by American artist Wayne Thiebaud.
On first sight, Thiebaud’s painterly depictions of cakes, sweets and other associated fifties Americana appear merely colourful and light-hearted, however, closer inspection offers the viewer a more nuanced understanding of the work, where colour theory and composition take precedence. It’s rare to see a collection of Thiebaud’s work hung together and so having the opportunity to visit the show was a real treat.
Late in the afternoon, the pupils regrouped in Trafalgar Square where they had the opportunity to visit the collection in The National Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery, as well as to stroll through the Christmas markets in the square.
