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Our second-year BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting students enjoyed a fantastic evening at their recent BA2 Fine Art Painting Show, showcasing their outstanding talents amongst friends, family, and special guests, including St Helens Council, Arts Development Manager, Kath Shay.

The annual event, now in its twelfth year, boasted an immersive walkthrough gallery on the third floor of our SmithKline Beecham Building, where the students exhibited their work during a private viewing, before the exhibition opened to the general public.

This year the students incorporated a range of thematic concerns that reflect monumental changes in our lives. These themes were captured through a range of art media and applications of paint, where the students identified one thing they all have in common, identity and a sense of self.

Course tutor, Fiona Stirling, told us “I am extremely proud of the students for what they have achieved and how hard they have worked to make this evening the success that it was. It has been great to see the students come to life, speaking confidently about their work to visitors and conducting themselves in such a professional manner. They should be so proud of themselves.”

In attendance, amongst proud friends and family, was Art Teacher, Sue, from Cowley International College, who came to support her former student, Megan. Sue has supported Megan’s journey ever since school seeing her progress to sixth form and was the inspiration for her progression to University Centre St Helens.

Proud tutor, Sue commented “I am extremely proud of Megan and how far her work has developed. I have always had a love for Megan’s work, in fact I still have one of the pieces she created in school, up in my home!”.

Sue described her work as “optimistic, beautiful and welcoming” and went on to say, “I always knew her work was going to take her somewhere, so when Fiona got in contact with me regarding the Foundation Degree at University Centre St Helens, I knew it was the perfect next step for Megan.”

Meanwhile, Fine Art Painting student, Rosie, used the opportunity to display her watercolour and oil paintings depicting hazy details of home and photographic prints from her childhood. She demonstrated small delicate details, recalled colour and atmosphere built up through multiple layers, drawing the viewer into the moment’s intimacy.

Another student, Sam, produced work that seeks to examine the pictorial biomorphic, as well as other concerns. He explored a range of broad personal ideas and conditions through his work such as alcoholism, solidarity, and sexual identity as well as mental and physical deteriorations.

Also, in attendance was Kath Shay, Arts Development Manager from St Helen’s Council, who said “It was a great evening, thoroughly enjoyed by all. The standard of work on display and the passion from the students was outstanding. I’m looking forward to seeing what they produce next year during their final show. The students have got a great role to play in the arts in the borough, particularly this year as we celebrate the borough of culture.”

Interested in seeing your art hang in our BA2 exhibition one day? Find out more about our Fine Art Painting degrees here!

BA2 Fine Art Painting Exhibition 2023