Slade School of Fine Art | | atractivoquenobello

It goes without saying that emerging artists and their practices are the voice of the future. So with an eye toward progress, aqnb is very excited about the announcement of the nine artists shortlisted for the Catlin Art Prize 2013. Showing at London’s Londonewcastle Project Space from Thursday, May 2 to Sunday, May 26 and selected from the Catlin Guide 2013, the prize seeks to promote the work of exceptional art graduates, in their first year since finishing, from across the UK.

Fatma Bucak, 'Omne Meum, Nihil Meum II' (2012). — Fatma Bucak, ‘Omne Meum, Nihil Meum II’ (2012).

Out of the nine artists selected, The Royal Academy of Arts and Slade School of Fine Art dominate, with three and two representatives appearing on the list, respectively. The accompanying exhibition will feature works from Nick Deeley’s marathon performance piece to David Ogle’s light sculpture (the latter of whom, incidentally, showed at the recent Kinetica Art Fair) while the winner will be awarded the £5000 prize in a private ceremony on May 22. See the Catlin website for more information.**

Header Image: David Ogle, ‘08011’ (2012).

“I don’t like to talk about my practice” responds one of the graduating artists from the Slade School of Fine Art when asked about her work. Taking in a showcase of 55 students work is exhausting; for lack of curatorial cohesion moving from one disparate work to another can take its toll. This is to be expected at a grad show, a few hours and a generous amount of openness is a must if you want to make any real engagement in a show like this. But with no catalogue to speak of, floor plans and invigilators are a scarcity navigating this vast building, which remains a functioning work space throughout the show, leaves one feeling ever so slightly on the outside. To encounter several impenetrable works you may come across one that is able to transcend the flurry of references, reminding you why this is such a special art school.

The Slade at UCL (Emily Joy Stokes, ‘Homage to Gaius Cestius’)

Currently under the directorship of electronic artist Susan Collins, The Slade has an international reputation for it’s progressive pedagogy, especially within the Digital Media Department. With successful alumni including the likes of Richard Hamilton, Mona Hatoum and Tacita Dean (Turner Prize winner ‘98), the Slade has a proven track record for turning out great artists. This years grad show is no exception. Continue reading The Graduates