Fresh direction for performance art

A range of gripping works was exhibited to small audiences in the college’s state-of-the-art theatre last month. The collaborative projects - collectively entitled What Lies Beneath - incorporated sound, lighting and visual effects provided by students studying on courses in technical theatre.

Course tutor for the college’s level 3 extended diploma in art and design, Stacey McCormack, said: “This is the first time our learners have explored the medium of performance art - and they loved it.

“In the studio we have been looking at different means of presenting fine artwork and researching a range of presentation techniques. As part of this, the students have explored the use of installation, lighting and sound to present and convey a variety of artistic concepts and visions.

“Led by the project title, each student chose a controversial theme, with the final pieces exploring a wide range of concepts and issues - from war to domestic violence and abuse.

“Everyone approached the project with maturity and sensitivity, enabling the group to produce some extremely powerful work,” she said.

The final works were performed by acting students, with each artist taking on the role of art director for their own piece. This new role is one course tutor Stacey says the students revelled in. “They did an amazing job of tackling a range of emotive issues,” she said. “They’ve all grown as artists and have made me really very proud.”   

This is the first year art and design students from the college have worked collaboratively to produce performance artwork of this kind. Following its success, it is hoped that the project may be repeated in the future.