THE BIG SHOW 2018

U+1F3A8 is the fine art student’s contribution to The University of Derby’s Big Show which is open to the public until the 13th of June. The event showcases third year students work across campus at both Markeaton st and Britannia Mill. On offer is an array of creative innovation within art, engineering, and health all of which is worth exploring.

The fine art exhibition is in Britannia Mill studios which up until a few weeks ago was the students work space. The transformation is impressive as the and the hard work the students have put in to developing their practice and producing artwork is clear. Divine Locale attended the opening event and the excitement and pride in the atmosphere was well deserved. The exhibition is full of many disciplines including: Sculpture, Film, Painting, Performance, and Photography.

Saffron Stacey - Ouroboros

Much of the work comments upon important societal and structural issues including Emmanuel Danai Matsoktere whose dynamic sculptures entitled Take a Knee explore the current political climate in America surrounding Black Lives Matter by depicting Colin Kaepernick’s protest in the NFL and the negative reaction towards it. Whilst Performance artist Pierce Starre who featured in Last year’s FLUCTU-8 festival discusses the stifling feeling he and other artists feel within the structures of University which infringe upon the creative freedom they claim to facilitate in his piece Cut The Red Tape.

Pierce Starre - Cut the Red Tape

We are also proud of the achievement of both 2018 FLUCTU-8 curators; whose work shines in this impressive exhibition. Jeannean Howe whose photography series Enough highlights the juxtaposition of strength and fragility of femininity and Tamara Mellon’s Plastic Face which challenges the relationship of society and the beauty industry and this year won the Programme Leader prize.

Tamara Mellon - Plastic Face

The work on display within U+1F3A8 showcases the incredible work being created by graduates and emerging artists and we will be looking forward to featuring 2018 fine art students in this years FLUCTU-8 exhibition.