A James Bond-themed exhibition by BA (Hons) Animation Production students from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is opening in the Café Gallery at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.
The selected works include imagery featuring Russell-Cotes sketches and pieces from a James Bond-themed concept art project.
“This is a brilliant showcase of second-year BA (Hons) Animation Production work," says AUB Senior Lecturer Lucy Turner. "The students have made a series of digitally and traditionally drawn artwork around the theme of James Bond as an important part of their studies.
“Our Animation course is unique in terms of how traditional drawing skills and techniques are at the heart of the ethos and teaching, and this work is a remarkable example of that. And that’s why we’re thrilled to be showing at the Russell-Cotes; our students produce some incredible work, delivered to a really high standard, and it’s not very often that it’s exhibited somewhere that the public can come and see it.”
Jack Simmons, a second-year BA (Hons) Animation Production student, comments, “I’ve been visiting the Russell-Cotes since I first came to Bournemouth in 2023. It’s always inspired me and has been a place where I could enjoy the company of good art.
“Having my work featured there is an honour I never thought I would get and I’m delighted to be submitting some of my best work for this exhibition; one is a study of a beautiful painting in the upper floor of the museum and another is a concept art piece depicting a swordfight between James Bond and his nemesis.”
Fellow student Saffron Byrne-King adds, "During our three-hour visit to Russell-Cotes, I focused on the concept art stage, using their sculptures to practice capturing clear form, colour, and lighting. As someone developing my digital art skills, I used that environment to master the dramatic lighting I eventually applied to my final piece – a tense moment of confrontation between Bond and our villain.
“Coming into the animation course I was really passionate about 2D, especially traditionally hand-drawn animation. In industry now, you'll see that people shift towards digital drawing, and paper animation is rarer. I thought it would be a good opportunity during this unit to train my skills using digital software, as we are becoming more focused on industry roles, and also learn a bit more about lighting and shadows.”
On how it feels to be exhibiting at the Russell-Cotes, Saffron says, “It's a beautiful place to have my work displayed, and I'm incredibly excited for the rare opportunity to finally put my work out there like this.”
“It's wonderful to see the Russell-Cotes and its internationally significant collections continue to inspire AUB’s Animation students," says Sarah Newman, Museum Manager at Russell-Cotes.
“This collaboration brings together Bournemouth’s cultural flagship and its leading creative arts institution, enriching students’ learning and creative practice while showcasing the talent of the next generation of creative practitioners.”
The AUB Animation exhibition will open in the Café Gallery at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum on 10 March, until 15 March.
