A diptych of two crucifixes: one man, one mummy; products to improve travel post-9/11; a Japanese kimono made of tartan; striking graphics used to communicate about illness, and a documentary on medics in war zones are all part of this year's postgraduate art exhibition at the University of Dundee.
The University's Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) has one of the most innovative and exciting postgraduate portfolios in the UK. Masters Expo 2003 opens on Friday 12 December and is the culmination of this year's programmes covering Fine Art, Design, Electronic Imaging and the new Animation & Visualisation course.
These 30 students are the crème de la crème of new Scottish art, and the standard and range of work is testimony to the excellence and talent that is nurtured at DJCAD.
Bing Wang came to DJCAD after completing a fine art degree in China. He chose the institution because of its international reputation in figurative painting, and he is already exhibiting work in London galleries.
His stunning images are just one example of the originality and maturity evident throughout the Masters Expo 2003.
He said, "The painting "saga" (the two crucifixes) took one year's labour. It is a monument of death, pain, suffering, and war. By using a traditional icon in a new context, I am trying to provoke people's thinking and response towards these issues.
With no background narration within the painting - no explanation for the existence of the iconic figure - I encourage the viewers' participation in completing the work. I try to seduce the audience into addressing the profound sorrows of the world. With the traditional form of the diptych and my traditional painting technique, I have attempted to create an aura of timelessness."
Lei Cox, course director of the MSc in Electronic Imaging said, "This Expo is the first of its kind. It marks the start of a new era in postgraduate art education at DJCAD, one characterised by visual innovation across all the Masters Programmes. This year's students present an eclectic mix of work spanning traditional, new and emerging areas of art and design practice."
Patricia Fleming, Curator of Wales Venice Biennale of Art 2003, will be at the opening in her capacity as this year's selector for the showcase Masters Platform 2004. This annual event is held at DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts) at the same time as the DJCAD undergraduate Degree Show, and gives the selected artists a chance to show their work again. Patricia will select one to four out of the 30 graduands.
Editors' notes
Interviews with students and jpegs are available. Call Esther Black, Press Officer, 01382 344768, e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk
Patricia Fleming is a freelance curator. She worked at the CCA Glasgow until 2001 and has been a Director at Wasps Ltd since 1992.
All journalists and photographers are invited to the private view on Friday 12 December, 7pm-9pm at the Cooper Gallery, the Lower Foyer Gallery (both DJCAD), and at GENERATORprojects (off Perth Road).
The public exhibition will take place at the same venues from Saturday 13 December until Wednesday 17 December.
Cooper Gallery and Lower Foyer Gallery, DJCAD, University of Dundee, Perth Road, Dundee. Call 01382 345330, email: exhibitions@dundee.ac.uk Open Monday-Friday 9.30am-6pm, Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm.
GENERATORprojects, 25/26 Mid-Wynd (off Perth Road), Mid- Wynd Industrial Estate, Dundee. Call 01382 225982, email generatorprojects@yahoo.co.uk Open Monday-Friday noon-6pm, Saturday 10am-4.30pm
Cinema screenings will take place in the DJCAD board room on the ground floor of the Crawford Building (take a right at main reception).
Satellite venues:
Tayside House, (off Whitehall Cresent), Dundee, open weekdays only, 8am-6pm
Scottish Hydro Store, Whitehall Street, Dundee, open weekdays and Sat, 9am-5pm, open Sun noon-4pm.
The Masters Platform 2004 will run from 21 May to 28 May.
By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk