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SEND HELP!
Approximately twenty years ago Visual Arts at QUT made the transition to its distinctive open studio structure, where students work in all modes of visual practice side by side. This approach responded to the emerging characteristics of contemporary art, in particular its diversity and self-awareness. At the same time, QUT Visual Arts linked the study of modern and contemporary art history and theory to its open studio model, thus creating a uniquely integrated approach throughout its courses. What does a rigorous art education provide? Strategies for ingenuity, resilience, visual literacy, adaptability, discernment, and a sense of historical and social context- all vital characteristics for success in the twenty-first century.
For over twenty years, QUT graduates have proven themselves to be a remarkable and diverse cohort, including successful prac- tising artists and curators, entrepreneurs and educators. 2015 marks the final year of Visual Arts' residency in the old College of Advanced Education Home Economics building: H Block. While not purpose built as art studios, H Block's layout of open plan rooms clustered around a central courtyard fostered a communal and collective approach to art, which has been distinc- tive of Visual Arts at QUT. These aspects of the building have been adopted into the architects' designs for our new home in the expanded Creative Industries precinct, which opens in 2016.
The graduating class of 2015 are irreverent and intelligent practitioners, who are already asking what contribution they will make to contemporary culture. Send Help therefore provides a snapshot of their journey to date through three years of the QUT Bachelor of Fine Arts Visual Arts degree. As the title suggests, they may justifiably feel a little uncertain and nervous. The world of higher education is changing, as is the world of work. But these graduates also have great reason for optimism. They have been put through their paces in an uncompromising educational environment that has been specifically designed to prepare them for the world of professional practice; they have poured their energy and resources into their work, been encouraged and sometimes driven by their lecturers and tutors, and perhaps most importantly, they have forged the bonds of collegiality that will be amongst their greatest assets as they go forward. This network of mutual support is visible in the works included here.
Whatever path the 2015 cohort takes, they can be confident that they have QUT Visual Arts behind them. We wish them well, we will continue to mentor them (if need be), and we look forward to seeing the cultural landscape they will help to shape. This exhibition provides a glimpse into the playful, provocative approach (and promising future) that these graduates bring to con- temporary art.
Dr Courtney Pedersen
Head of Discipline, Visual Arts
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Leigharna Bell leigharnabell.tumblr.com instagram.com/leigharnabell
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Katherine Campbell [email protected]
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Hannah Coyle Hannah.Coyle@connect.qut.edu.au
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David Don daviddon.com.au
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Ollie Macpherson [email protected]
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Lucy Forsberg lucyforsberg.com
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Ursula Larin ursulalarin.tumblr.com
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Liam Marsden liammarsden .com earnestandson.com
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Mikaela Nicholson [email protected]
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Isaak Tayler violent -eyed-dreams. tumblr. com
