Ahhh, it's finally summer (try and ignore the rain for a moment). Summer in London means many things: picnics in Green Park, staying out late on a school night and students all over the capital stressing out about their exams and final year exhibitions. Enter Free Range 2007. A show of some of the most prestigious universities' design work, all in the heart of Brick Lane: The Old Truman Brewery.
Londonist caught up with Tamsin O'Hanlon, the brains behind the exhibition, to find out more about this years show.
Tamsin, What does Free Range mean to you?
Until Free Range, there was little opportunity for students to too allow public and people in the industry to view their art. I'm an ex graphic design student so it's especially wonderful to see what they're able to achieve as a result of Free Range - gaining a job offer, selling their art or simply experiencing a show for the first time.
Why is this more than a student show?
Free Range is a celebration of all that is good about art and design right now. It's Europe's largest showcase of graduate art and design with free admission! It's the perfect place for industry and the general public to discover the latest talent, buy affordable art, trend spot and hang out with other art lovers. You're able to buy art directly from the artist, take away a catalogue featuring work from across all 60 shows and if you're unable to attend any of the shows you can gain free access to an on-line portfolio of exhibiting students work all year round - www.free-range.org.uk.
How long have you been involved with Free Range?
I founded Free Range in 2001. I had just finished my graphics degree and had been working at the Old Truman Brewery since 1995. I joined the events department in 1999. It became an obvious project to start.
What's your favourite thing about the show?
Traditionally, degree shows have not been given the coverage they deserve. I love that Free Range has changed that. We've kept the event very democratic by inviting all colleges great and small from all over the country to exhibit. We encourage talent on a massive scale and allow visitors to discover their own favourite work. To me good art and design is all a matter of taste.
What else do you love about Art in London?
The diversity and the choice. London is an amazing hotbed of creativity.
Are you artistic yourself?
I'm no Picasso! I'm creative but unfortunately not artistic in the traditional sense. Many of my friends live and breathe art in everything they do. I'm not like that.
Who should we look out for in the show?
George Barron, from Camberwell is a very talented designer. Also make sure you check out Elin Svensson from LCC where I actually studied. The best thing about Free Range is that all of the artists are so different, everyone is bound to find something they like.
Free Range is at the Old Truman Brewery from May 31st until 23rd July. Opening Nights: Thursdays 6pm-10pm & Show Days: Fridays to Mondays 10am-7pm. Nearest tube: Aldgate East.
