An Artist Collective Takes Over Degree Art

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 127 months ago
An Artist Collective Takes Over Degree Art
Andrew Newton, 21st Century. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Andrew Newton, 21st Century. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Amelia Humber, Crook. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Amelia Humber, Crook. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Rebecca Molloy, Together. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Rebecca Molloy, Together. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Patrick Simkins, Girl. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Patrick Simkins, Girl. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Jemma Grundon, Suspend and Fade. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Jemma Grundon, Suspend and Fade. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Julie Bennett, Easton. Image courtesy Degree Art.
Julie Bennett, Easton. Image courtesy Degree Art.

Artists in residence provide a unique insight into the creative process. Visitors get to see the artists producing the work and even have the opportunity to talk to them in an informal manner. This worked to great effect at the last residency where Louise McNaught painted her eye-catching fluorescent animals. Now is the turn of Repre, a collective of nine artists, seven of which will be taking part in the residency and we're expecting a hive of activity as artists with different styles bounce ideas off each other and create complementary works.

Last time we featured Repre was in their inaugural exhibition over a year ago. Although there is a lot of pressure on emerging artists to stick to one style, it's great to see the evolution in the work of these artists as they've chosen to diversify rather than retread old ground.

Jemma Grundon has moved away from her more traditional landscapes towards romantic depictions of clouds while Amelia Humber has locked herself away in a shed in the Outer Hebrides to capture the windswept scenery.

Andrew Newton creates accurate portraits before obscuring them with patches of Jackson Pollock style drip paintings while Rebecca Molloy continues her colourful exploration of the human form.

The most radical evolution is that of Patrick Simkins. He's  transitioned from his heavily layered impasto paintings to create faces made from torn strips of other paintings, to powerful effect. One of his works will be interactive with visitors encouraged to re-arrange a collaged head in line with their own preference.

This exhibition is a chance to catch seven talented emerging artists at work and get a sneak peek into their creative processes.

The Repre Residency is at DegreeArt, 12a Vyner St, E2 9DG until 9 September. Admission is free. There will also be some painting and drawing classes as part of the residency, see website for more details.

Last Updated 06 August 2013