The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Next generation of creativity to shine at Gray’ s degree show
Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen has thrown open its doors to the public for its annual degree show. After four years of study, students worked around the clock to put the finishing touches to their projects, transforming the school, which is part of Robert Gordon University, into a high-quality exhibition space.
The free event, which showcases final-year projects across all disciplines, opened on Saturday.
Special guided tours for young people also took place at the weekend and Gray’s Mobile Art School brought the degree show to the city centre, with drop-in art and crafts workshops as part of a family arts day in Union Terrace Gardens.
Fashion and textile student Grace Angus is one of the graduates exhibiting at this year’s show, showcasing a fashion project inspired by the Tap o’ Noth hillfort near her hometown of Rhynie near Huntly.
She explores her experiences of outdoor life and growing up in a farming community.
As part of her project, Grace examines the cultural differences of Scottish and Inuit communities, and their use of natural materials and fabrics, producing a collection of functional garments for adventure and exploration.
Grace said: “The Tap o’ Noth once had one of the largest known settlements built on top.
“I started looking at the huts and the more modern structures such as tents.
“I also explored the indigenous Inuit community peoples of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America, and the way they create clothing through natural materials.
“I’m really excited to show people my collection at the degree show and can’t believe I’m almost finished art school.
“The Gray’s experience has been amazing. I’ve been lucky enough to meet so many creative people and make the best of friends.”
Grace’s fellow fashion and textile student student, Ruadhan Curran, said the degree show is a “bitterwseet” moment. Ruadhan, from Fochabers, won the annual Weaver Incorporation Career Enhancement Award last November and has used the financial prize to buy her first knitting machine to create her final project.
Her knitwear collection mirrors the glamour of the 1970s icons of David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Brian Eno.
Ruadhan said: “Whilst we say goodbye to our educational journey at Gray’s, the door now opens to our exciting futures as creators within the creative field.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far we have all come – the degree show really highlights the talent that Gray’s has produced.”
Dan Allen, dean for Gray’s School of Art, said: “Our students should be very proud of everything they have achieved.”
The degree show runs until June 15, open 10am to 8pm during the week and from 10am to 5pm over the weekend.