Unique collection at The Wilson will showcase ingenuity of UoG students

University of Gloucestershire is collaborating with The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum to present a unique collection of art celebrating the ingenuity and imagination of the next generation of artistic talent.

A selection of high-quality work from the University’s recent 2024 Creative Arts Degree Show will comprise The Wilson’s Natural Progression exhibition, which will blend architecture, fine art, and natural forms with future-facing designs.

Running until 27 October, Natural Progression will showcase work produced by University students from a range of academic programmes including Fine Art, Architecture, Sound and Music Production, Photography: Editorial and Advertising, and Photojournalism and Documentary Photography.

To celebrate Natural Progression, the University and The Wilson will jointly host a private viewing for invited guests on 3 October that will include a drinks reception, guest speakers and opportunities to meet with University staff and students involved in the exhibition.

Visitors to Natural Progression will experience a transformative journey through dynamic installations, intricate sculptures, and immersive digital works that highlight the harmony between the natural environment and the built world, as the students redefine the future of our artistic landscapes.

The exhibition features a demonstration of the creative use of new technologies by master’s student Marie Cecil, a nature photographer specialising in floral photography who has utilised augmented reality to represent issues around our interaction with nature.

Marie said: “I was really pleased and honoured to have my work chosen for the University of Gloucestershire exhibition at The Wilson.  

“As a mature part-time student, I spent six years on the BA (Hons) Photography Editorial and Advertising course and during that time the programme helped me to grow and evolve both personally and within my creative practice, culminating in a 1^st class honours degree.

“This opened the door to me gaining a place on the MA Fine Art course at University of Gloucestershire, where I look forward to spending time expanding my practice as a photographic artist.”

Megan Humphreys, Public Programmes Manager at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, said: “Our goal at The Wilson is to create space for the development of contemporary art and artists, an environment rich in opportunity for learning, and a place to inspire visitors through exhibitions, displays, activities and events.

“Since reopening The Wilson two years ago, the creative collaboration between the Wilson team, the University staff, and student community has grown substantially.

“The partnership has delivered some fantastic student outcomes, including six exhibitions, an events programme, and even a pop-up shop in collaboration with the BA Illustration course.

“The Wilson also runs an artist development programme ‘We are Creators’, which includes access to free studio space and artist learning opportunities, which has proven very popular with post graduates.

“As one of the large local providers of arts and culture, The Wilson hopes to work on many more partnership projects with the University, as we recognise the value of supporting students –  our artists of the future –  with real-life, sector experience.”

Excellent opportunities to gain industry experience

The University’s recent collaborations with The Wilson included an opportunity for students to help present a rare collection of world-class art, the Radev Collection, and contribute to an exhibition that brought to life Captain Scott’s 1910 ill-fated expedition to the South Pole.

Dr Matthew Lovett, Associate Head of the University’s School of Creative Arts, said: “Our partnership with The Wilson is providing students with excellent opportunities to gain valuable industry experience and to showcase their creative talent to the local and wider artistic community.

“Following the success of our Creative Arts Degree Show, we’re absolutely delighted that visitors to The Wilson’s Natural Progression exhibition will have another opportunity to embrace the ingenuity and imagination of our students across a number of our academic programmes.”

Images: A selection of high-quality work at the University’s recent 2024 Creative Arts Degree Show