Gray's degree show is hailed at Holyrood
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GRAY’S School of Art's degree show has been hailed in the Scottish Parliament.
A motion has tabled in recognition of ‘Welcome to the Real World’ and the Graduate in Residence exhibition, ‘Emergent’.
Put forward by Liam Kerr, Conservative MSP for North East Scotland, the motion is supported by a cross-party group of 28 MSPs. It commends Gray’s School of Art for its "excellent" degree show and for providing graduates with a "unique development programme for emerging artists" through its Graduates in Residence Scheme and their exhibition, 'Emergent'.
‘Welcome to the Real World’, which was the first in-person end of year show in three years, included a stunning exhibition celebrating 146 graduating designers and artists across painting, contemporary art practice, fashion and textiles, communication design, three-dimensional design and photography.
Gray's Graduates in Residence, who are part of the art school’s unique development programme, drew inspiration from artefacts from the RGU Art and Heritage Collection for their exhibition, Emergent, at Gray's Look Again Aberdeen Project Space.
Mr Kerr said: “The Gray’s School of Art Degree show continues to go from strength to strength in showcasing the fantastically talented artists and designers that RGU has to offer.
“It was excellent to see the range of unique artwork which focussed on the theme of sustainability.
“Art forms a huge part of what we offer here in the north-east and RGU offers an excellent platform for students to show their skills.
“I wish everyone involved at Gray’s School of Art all the very best and I’m excited to see what the future holds for these highly skilled artists and designers.”
Dean for Gray’s School of Art, Libby Curtis, commented: “Our degree show ‘Welcome to the real world’ was a huge success and a credit to everyone involved.
"I am extremely proud of all our graduating artists and designers, and the staff, who curated such a stunning exhibition and we were thrilled to welcome so many visitors, of all ages, to see the show.
“It is fantastic to be recognised in the Scottish Parliament and for MSPs to show their appreciation for the wealth of talent we have at Gray’s School of Art.
“Robert Gordon University is committed to enriching and enhancing the cultural offering in the north-east of Scotland and our degree show is testament to the contribution that we are making. Our Graduate in Residence exhibition also demonstrates our commitment to support our graduates and to provide opportunities for Gray’s graduates in the north-east.”
The full motion reads as follows:
“That the Parliament welcomes Gray’s School of Art Degree Show, considers that the show is an excellent opportunity for final year students to put on display for the public; understands that many of the projects from the 2022 degree show are focused on the theme of sustainability, with innovative projects using bioplastic derived from seaweed; notes Gray’s School of Art Graduate in Residence programme, Emergent, which celebrates the work of what it sees as the school’s unique development programme for emerging artists and designers, and wishes all involved in Gray’s School of Art all the best for the future.”
