19 May 2016
From drum ‘n’ bass to tables and chairs
A former DJ who discovered a passion for Scandinavian furniture will be exhibiting his own stunning designs at this year’s University of Dundee Art, Design and Architecture Degree Show. Jon Christie co-owned the Pressure Records shop in Dundee and DJ’d in a variety of styles before a visit to his wife’s Danish homeland changed his life more than 20 years ago. He was blown away by the elegance of the furniture he encountered in the homes of his in-laws and his wife’s friends. Jon was also impressed by how the Danes’ placed huge value on the quality of construction as well as a...
18 May 2016
Study shows new way to predict COPD progression
New research from the University of Dundee has found that a process initiated in white blood cells known as neutrophils may lead to worse outcomes for some patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The discovery may help identify patients at higher risk for COPD progression, who might also show little benefit from standard treatments. The study was presented at the ATS (American Thoracic Society) 2016 International Conference in San Francisco. “We have known for many years that neutrophils should be able to fight infection, but we haven’t fully understood why they don’...
18 May 2016
Grief inspires hauntingly beautiful tribute to brother and reflection on life
The death of her beloved brother and other family members led to the creation of the hauntingly beautiful work that Gentian Meikleham is exhibiting at this year’s Art, Design and Architecture Degree Show at the University of Dundee. Gentian (25), originally from Monifieth, worked in direct response to her experiences of loss, particularly following the passing of her brother Koan, during her time at University. She developed sculpture, performance, film and writing around the themes of memory, childhood, longing, time and melancholy, with each element using carefully considered materials, often wit...
17 May 2016
Budding first for inorganic flora artist
The first exhibition in Scotland featuring the work of award-winning Japanese digital artist Macoto Murayama will be on display at the University of Dundee until late August. Inspired by the unique work of internationally renowned polymath D’Arcy Thompson, the University’s first Professor of Biology, as well as the mathematical patterns of growth in plants, Murayama’s work features exquisitely beautiful prints of plant forms as if they were engineers’ blueprints. Curator Matthew Jarron explained, “Murayama’s exhibition features what he calls ‘inorganic flora&rsqu...
17 May 2016
Kenneth overcomes obstacles to emerge as leading young design talent
A stellar undergraduate career has seen University of Dundee student Kenneth Meek establish himself as one of the country’s top young graphic designers – despite being registered blind. Twenty-three-year-old Kenneth, originally from Glasgow, suffers from nystagmus, a condition that causes involuntary eye movement and impaired vision. Although he has difficulty focusing on objects, Kenneth’s design aptitude, visual communication skills and creativity have seen him overcome this considerable obstacle to win plaudits and awards for projects focusing on serious social and cultural issues. H...
