Press Release NCAD Graduate Exhibition
NCAD Show 2019 showcases students’ strong ‘social imagination’ and a diversity of ‘making practices’
PRESS RELEASE
Work from 225 emerging artists and designers on display at NCAD graduate exhibition
Work produced by graduates from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) is striking evidence of the students’ keen social awareness and their ability to critically reflect on challenging questions. Through a diversity of making practices, it displays many insightful propositions as to how we might imagine our world differently. That’s according to Director of NCAD, Professor Sarah Glennie, who was speaking at a preview of the NCAD Show 2019, which opens to the public tomorrow (08.06.19).
Migration, Brexit and the Border, climate change and Ireland’s housing crisis are among the contemporary social issues that are explored in depth by students. “In exploring these issues, we see that our students not only look at the causes and arising social implications, but they also examine possible responses needed to make sure that social cohesion and social solidarity are maintained,” said Prof. Glennie.
“Social change, climate change, movement of people, the growing digital economy – change is happening at a very fast pace and it’s increasingly difficult for the established systems and norms of the world to keep up with this. In recent years alone, our students have experienced momentous shifts in social outlook. In Ireland, we have seen significant changes to legislation on marriage equality, abortion and divorce, while globally, the rapid deterioration of our biodiversity and diminishing natural resources represent an unparalleled, urgent challenge.
“Our students are developing their creative practices in this changing contemporary world and their learning at NCAD foregrounds the development of their ‘social imagination’. By social imagination we are referring to the capacity of art and design to create a space to imagine our world differently. Our students approach this in many different ways – from critical reflection on our shared lived experience to innovative solutions to challenges we face in contemporary society. Across the very diverse and individually distinct practices represented in these graduate shows, there is a common awareness of the wider societal context in which their work is being made, and a confidence and ambition to make work that in some way impacts on and contributes to contemporary society.”
A community of ‘makers’
NCAD is also drawing attention to its location in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties, an area with a strong heritage of industry and ‘making’. Prof. Glennie commented: “NCAD is proud to be based in the heart of the Liberties, one of Dublin’s most vibrant and diverse communities. For centuries, it has been a district where things are made and things happen. From Huguenot silverwork, wool and silk weaving, whiskey distilleries and beer breweries, and, more recently, digital industries, our community is one of ‘makers’, and that tradition remains at the core of NCAD.
“Studying at NCAD offers a unique range of in-depth specialisations from Ceramics and Glass, to Media, Textile & Surface Design, Interaction Design, Illustration and Medical Device Design, all of which support students to develop their own distinct practices through studio-based thinking, making and doing in both the material and digital worlds. This diversity of making practices is evident, not just in the range of specialisations available at NCAD, but in how this year’s graduates combine traditional skills with cutting edge technologies, from fresco painting, knit and weave to laser-cutting and virtual reality. There is also a renewed interest in the sustainability of materials used with students recycling, upcycling and repurposing.”
Immersive practical experiences and industry collaborations
An important objective of NCAD’s approach to fostering the art and design talent of tomorrow is to offer students opportunities to immerse themselves in real-world work environments, to build skills and expertise by collaborating with students and staff from other disciplines and to engage creatively with community and civic society. Through NCAD’s Studio+ programme, undergraduate students in Design and Fine Art can participate in an optional additional year to develop their practice across a range of commercial, cultural and social settings.
Prof. Glennie said: “This year, the first cohort of Design students who have undertaken our Studio+ year are graduating from NCAD, while the academic year 2018/19 marked the first year that Studio+ was available to our Fine Art students. As part of the programme, the School of Fine Art has developed collaborations and student placement opportunities with partners such as James’ Hospital’s Mercer’s Institute for Successful Aging (MISA), and Rialto Youth Project. Meanwhile, many of our Design students have completed internships with leading design companies, have worked on a variety of live industry projects, or studied at one of our international partner institutions via our Studio International programme.”
The Show 2019 features the work of graduates from NCAD's Schools of Fine Art, Design and Education, together with postgraduates from the MFA in Fine Art, MFA in Digital Art and MFA Design programmes. In addition, a selection of work in progress is on display by postgraduates in Design. In total, work by 225 students will feature in the exhibition.
Highlights include:
In Solutions for the Border, Painting student Lee Hamill displaces issues surrounding Brexit from the present into the 1980s, and transposes Thatcher’s policies from the 1980s into the now. His painting and performances depict a dystopian present where human rights are non-existent and there is a complete social breakdown.
Graphic Design student and Northern Irish native Ciara McDonald explores how the political tensions generated by Brexit negotiations and border talks are impacting on Northern Ireland. Presented in the form of a typographic book, moving image piece and unique emoji set, Say Nothing aims to provide a voice to those who hail from what Seamus Heaney called the "wee six".
Joint Education & Print student Emma Crehan explores buildings that have been abandoned as a result of social migration, particularly those in her locality, in rural Galway. Na Bogáin is informed by excavation and investigation through the use of photography and screen print.
Organomechanical by Jewellery & Objects student Edward Stuart is a collection made using a combination of traditional metalwork and recycled milk bottles. Instead of demonising plastic, his work attempts to foster a greater appreciation for its value.
The intensive farming of cattle for beef is having a devastating effect on the environment. Future Butcher by Product Design student Rachael Kaye Mellor is a proposition for the redesign of a conventional butcher’s shop, which seeks to normalise and celebrate lab-grown beef.
One person dies from asthma in Ireland every week. The buteyko breathing method is seen as a feasible non-pharmacological successful intervention for the treatment of acute asthma. Breasy by Product Design student Hannah Grogan is a user-friendly product-service system that teaches children buteyko breathing through a virtual reality game environment.
Agency For Data Collection by MFA Design student Eleanor McMahon aims to give users the tools and information that they need to make more informed decisions in their online lives, and take back ownership of their personal information.
In Slum Room. €400 Per Month. Headspace not included, Media student Ro Lynam recreates the ‘sought-after’ bedroom she has rented in a large Georgian house on Dublin’s exclusive Leeson Street for the three last years. Her installation combines two compartments: an exact replica of her bedroom, with a head height of 4ft 9in, and an attic headspace that functions as spatial relief from the bodily contortions the proportions of the bedroom inflict upon its occupant.
NCAD Open Campus
As a reflection of NCAD’s ongoing commitment to invite audiences to come and find out more about the work taking place at the College, as well as its extraordinary studio facilities, a programme of free talks, events and subsidised workshops will be taking place during the course of the exhibition.
Highlights of the events programme include:
‘Life after College is…’, a round table discussion with recent graduates from NCAD, who are forging successful careers in art and design (11th June, 6pm-7.30pm);
‘Zeitgeist: Critics Discuss’, invited art and design critics will share their thoughts on the interests and obsessions that inform and shape the work of this year’s graduates (12th June, 6pm-7.30pm);
‘Ask the Other Experts’, is an alternative look at this year’s exhibition through the eyes of some of the people who know the College best. Hear General Operative Mary Senior and Attendants Ciarán Farrell and Janice Keating converse with lecturer Denis Kehoe about the highlights of shows past and present (13th June, 6pm-7pm).
‘NCAD Show Live’, a day-long programme of performances, workshops and discursive events by graduating students working in the medium of live art (15th June, 11am-5pm).
‘Introductory Printed Textiles and Letterpress Workshops for Adults’, two half-day courses to introduce participants to the tools, materials and techniques required in silk screen printing and letterpress (15th June, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm).
‘Bold & Curious Creations’, two free drop-in ceramic workshops for children aged from 3+. Participants will learn a variety of ceramic techniques to make ‘Bold and Curious’ pinch or coil pot ceramic creations (15th June, 10.30-1pm).
The full programme of events and activities, as well as further information about the Show 2019 and how to book the adult workshops is available at www.ncad.ie. A digital catalogue of the students’ work is available at www.ncad.works.
ENDS
Contact: Sebastian Enke / David O’Donnell, DHR Communications, Tel: 01-4200580 / 087-3239496 / 086-1081139
Note for Editors:
To download high-res imagery of a selection of the work that will be on display at the NCAD Show 2019, visit: http://bit.ly/2W1h8qg; additional images are available on request.
Media interviews with NCAD’s Director Sarah Glennie and graduates are available on request.
Photographer Marc O’Sullivan will issue photos to picture desks this afternoon.
