18 May 2012

Lorraine Kelly and Elvis help to open Degree Show

Pic shows Lorraine with 'Elvis' and Professor Tom Inns, Dean of DJCAD.

Having interviewed some of the world's biggest celebrities, it's not often that Lorraine Kelly is star struck, but meeting Elvis might just have proved too much for her.

The encounter happened as Lorraine, former Rector of the University of Dundee, attended the Associates Reception which marks the opening of the annual Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design Degree Show.

Elvis, AKA Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices student Matthew Corden is one of almost 300 graduands exhibiting at this year's Degree Show. Matthew (27), from Middlesbrough, has been transforming himself into the late singer as part of his Degree Show work, exploring how some of Elvis's most hardcore fans are unable to accept he has gone. As such, students, staff and visitors to DJCAD, part of the University of Dundee, have been confronted by the daily sight of the jumpsuit-clad crooner walking around campus for the past couple of weeks. Staff, students and invited guests - including employers, gallery owners, representative of funding organisations, and other industry professionals - were treated to a performance from Matthew that marked the beginning of the Degree Show celebrations, which will run until May 27th.

"What better way to celebrate the end of my time at Duncan of Jordanstone than by becoming the greatest 'artist' of all time?" asked Matthew.

"Having put so much effort into becoming Elvis, I felt it was only fair he had another 'Comeback Special' as he did many a time during his career. I'll tell you this for nothing, he is looking every inch the hunk'o, hunk'o burning love he used to be and is in mighty, mighty, mighty fine form. Thank you very much."

Notes to editors:

Dundee Degree Show
19th -27 May 2012 (Preview May 18th)
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design
University of Dundee
13 Perth Road
Dundee DD1 4HT
T 01382 388828.
E djcadexhibitions@dundee.ac.uk
www.dundee.ac.uk/djcad/degreeshow

Exhibition open:
Saturday, May 19th (10am-4pm)
Sunday, May 20th (10am-4pm)
Monday, May 21st (10am-8pm)
Tuesday, May 22nd (10am-8pm)
Wednesday, May 23rd (10am-8pm)
Thursday, May 24th (10am-8pm)
Friday, May 25th (10am-8pm)
Saturday, May 26th (10am-4pm)
Sunday, May 27th (10am-4pm)

Graduate work on display:
Animation
Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices
Digital Interaction Design
Fine Art
Graphic Design
Illustration
Interior Environmental Design
Jewellery & Metal Design
Product Design
Textile Design
Time Based Art & Digital Film

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277