Make way for the Masters: AUB opens Postgraduate Summer Shows 2024

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) opened its doors to the public for its much-anticipated annual Postgraduate Summer Shows event.

The annual event showcases the final projects of the University’s postgraduates providing the perfect platform for industry and members of the public to meet the next generation of creatives and innovators in fine art, animation, fashion, film, photography, graphic design, historical costume, photography, and painting.

The formal opening event on Thursday 29 August included a full schedule of entertainment, activities, music, food, and, of course, artwork all open to the public.

Professor Paul Gough, AUB Principal and Vice-Chancellor, comments, “Summer Show-time at AUB is one of the most energising and exciting experiences of our year. Postgraduate students delve deeply into their subjects, frequently challenging conventions and provoking thought and debate. The Postgraduate Summer Shows celebrate this enquiry, providing a platform for new and wide-ranging work that is at the respective boundaries of the disciplines involved.

“This is an opportunity to witness an exciting waypoint in the careers of a new contingent of creative practitioners presenting their ideas and concerns for, perhaps, the first time. We open our doors and welcome students and their families, alumni and industry, and thousands of visitors to share the magic and be part of the dream factory that is AUB.”

This year’s postgraduates feature an impressive list of award-winners and professionals across the board from animation to fine art. These award-winning works will be exhibited during the Summer Shows and provide the students an opportunity to share their work with the wider world.

MA Fine Art student L Moro standing in line with four of her creations.

A person attending the September 2024 Postgraduate Summer Shows formal opening at AUB, viewed from the back while looking at artworks of display.

MA Illustration student M H Nguyen showing their work to an attendee of the Postgraduate Summer Shows on AUB Campus.

A visitor looking at two large photographs on display at TheGallery, AUB Campus, during the Postgraduate Summer Shows.

Four people taking part in a project with fabric samples, as part of the Postgraduate Summer Shows on AUB Campus.

Lisa Moro, who studies MA Fine Art, is showing elements of her immersive and interactive exhibition, Exquisite Cords, as part of its UK tour. Lisa talks through the viewer’s experience: “I’ve imagined a future world where our DNA not only shapes our physical traits, it also can be used to find perfect solutions for all aspects of our lives.

“I’m challenging conventional notions of identity, free will, and the nature versus nurture debate. What role do genetics play in defining who we are? Can our DNA predict our future with uncanny accuracy, or are we ultimately masters of our own fate?”

Off campus, the MA Painting students will exhibit at Lighthouse, Poole, for three weeks (7–28 September). Associate Professor of Fine Art at AUB and course leader Dominic Shepherd says, “MA Painting is very pleased to be invited back to the Lighthouse gallery. This painting show is full of feeling. MA painting is developing a real distinctive voice.

“There are common themes that run through the cohort, technical proficiency fused with emotional intelligence, a realignment of contemporary figuration, and a questioning of the notions of identity, and the incredible possibilities of contemporary painting today.”

Violet M McClean, Curator and Manager for TheGallery at AUB, adds, “Our Summer Shows are a truly unique opportunity to be energised by the creative work of AUB’s fabulous students from all over the world.

“Creativity is fundamental to our existence, everything human-made has been thought of, designed, and created; your phone, your sofa, the series you’re watching, the clothes you wear, absolutely everything. And the Summer Shows invite you to meet the next generation of creatives, it’s like looking into the future!”

The Postgraduate Summer Shows 2024 opened on 30 August and will run until 21 September.