On Friday, November 17th, my friends and I stumbled upon the Aura Fine Art Gallery and discovered an exhibition by artist Andrei Protsouk. His portfolio struck me with its exploration of the contemporary human condition and our relationship with sex and lust.
Website: https://www.andreiart.com/
Miles Johnston mesmerizes me with his surreal and thought-provoking creations. With a masterful command of anatomy and form, Johnston's work transcends reality, inviting viewers into dreamlike realms where imagination knows no bounds. His detailed and intricate style captures the intricacies of the human psyche, delving into themes of identity, consciousness, and the subconscious mind. Each of Johnston's pieces is a journey of exploration, challenging perceptions and inviting introspection. Through his art, he invites us to question the nature of reality and embrace the endless possibilities of the imagination.
Website: https://www.milesjohnstonart.com/
Instagram: @miles_art
My friends and I were in awe of the taxidermy exhibit in University of Nottingham. Tessa Farmer, the artist, conjures up enchanting realms governed by tiny fairy skeletons, characterized not only by mischief but also by sheer malevolence. Her remarkable sculptures, crafted from insects, animal taxidermy, and plant roots, portray narratives that undoubtedly possess a dark and malicious quality. However, Farmer sees their ferocity as an embodiment of the primal survival instinct inherent in every living being.
Website: https://www.tessafarmer.com/
The exhibit, showcased at the Lakeside Arts gallery, featured a captivating collection of microscope images capturing the intricate details of plant cells.
The print fair, held at the Nottingham Contemporary from October 27th to 29th, provided an exciting opportunity to connect with illustrators and printmakers from diverse backgrounds. Engaging with these artists was a rewarding experience, as they generously shared insights into their creative processes and techniques. Their enthusiasm and encouragement inspired me to explore new patterns and printing methods, fostering growth in my own artistic endeavors.
Joohee Yoon, a prominent illustrator and designer renowned for her work in publishing, advertising, and editorial projects, was invited as a guest lecture for our course.
Her talk covered a wide array of topics, ranging from navigating the pressures of the real world to self-financing as a freelancer. What struck me the most was her candidness in discussing the challenges and triumphs of being an artist in a competitive industry flooded with talent. She generously shared invaluable advice on freelancing, collaborating with art directors, engaging with both small and large companies, and leveraging social media to showcase one's work.
Website: https://jooheeyoon.com/
In November, Nottingham Contemporary showcased another exhibition featuring artists such as Amanda Bates and Allison Katz.
Urvi and I attended a conference where we had the opportunity to meet, chat with, and listen to queer content creators, children's book writers, and publishers share their experiences entering the industry and their successes since.
Chie's home exhibition and print sale: It was so thoughtful of Chie to invite us to her art sale at her house. It was a really enjoyable experience, and we had a chance to catch up and chat about our progress at uni. I adore her prints, and I've already hung them up on my wall. Her home has such a cozy vibe; I could spend hours there. Chie was incredibly sweet and even treated us to homemade cookies, coffee, and tea.
Website: https://cargocollective.com/chiehosaka
On Sunday, May 5th, Nottingham Contemporary hosted a significant solo exhibition featuring the work of Los Angeles-based artist Paul Mpagi Sepuya. His art captivated me deeply. Beyond merely portraying desire, his photographs delve into the process of image creation itself. Throughout his work, one encounters friends, lovers, and individuals from the artist's queer and creative circles.
Website: https://www.paulsepuya.com/
Instagram: @pagmi
Bath Trip
Here's a huge collection of pictures from our trip to Bath, where we visited the Abbey, the Roman baths, and explored various shops in the area. It was an incredibly fun experience—I've never had so much fun.
Bath is absolutely gorgeous, and the weather couldn't have been better. Unfortunately, we couldn't go inside the Abbey because the tickets were expensive, but the outside view was breathtaking enough. However, we did visit the Roman baths and explored the extensive museums underneath. It was both informative and interactive, and we even got to taste some of the water there. We tried out several different food places and picked up some souvenirs.
Our time in the motel room was a blast—we all shared one room and decided to have a full-on sleepover experience with drinks, a movie, and plenty of gossip.
The whole experience was incredibly memorable, except for the part where Luke made us trek up a steep hill for 30 minutes. I won't forget that anytime soon.
Alfred Fernandes, a celebrated Goan illustrator, brings a unique blend of cultural richness and artistic finesse to his work. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for his heritage, Fernandes's illustrations vividly capture the essence of Goan life, from its vibrant festivals to its serene landscapes. His intricate and evocative style has garnered widespread acclaim, making him a prominent figure in the world of illustration. Through his art, Fernandes not only showcases the beauty of Goa but also preserves its cultural heritage for future generations to admire and cherish.
Instagram: @fernandesalfred
One of my top acquisitions from the year is FUKT Magazine, a drawing magazine renowned for its engaging and inspiring content. Within its pages, readers can find captivating stories brought to life through drawings and interviews. The magazine features contributions from esteemed artists such as Chris Ware, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Brian Rea, alongside emerging talents like Maria Paz and Xiyu.
It offers a diverse array of artwork and an endless array of narratives. While some pages may be challenging to read due to their unique styles, the magazine remains visually captivating. It's like having Pinterest at your fingertips in physical form.
During a casual stroll from university, my friends and I stumbled upon the Gallery of Justice. Situated within a former Victorian courtroom, prison, and police station, this museum holds historical significance as a place where individuals were arrested, tried, sentenced, and even executed. The courtrooms date back to the 14th century, and the gaol has been in existence since at least 1449.
Lewis Rossignol, a Portland, Maine-based illustrator, specializes in blending hand-drawn and collaged imagery to create captivating visuals.His unique style has propelled him into a successful career, marked by original artwork sales and notable commissions for artists such as Drew Taggart of The Chainsmokers and Tyler the Creator. Rossignol openly shares how drawing and creative expression serve as therapeutic outlets for his Tourette's Syndrome, illustrating the profound impact of art on mental health and well-being.
Website: https://www.lewisrossignolart.com/
Instagram: @lewisrossignol
Lord of the Rings OST Opening
My roommate had an extra ticket to "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (the final movie) at Royal Albert Hall with a live orchestra. As a huge Lord of the Rings fan, I had been looking forward to this experience for an entire month. The four-hour bus ride to London was absolutely worth it.
Website: https://www.royalalberthall.com/
In April, there was another exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary featuring incredible artwork from various artists. What made it even more special was the presence of a screen printing stall. Upon chatting with the people managing the stall, I discovered that some of them were NTU, MA students.
Urvi won a giveaway from Efflorescence and scored £20 worth of alcohol, so she invited me out for drinks. The place we went to was absolutely lovely and cozy, and I ended up buying quite a few things from the stalls there. It was really refreshing to see my other classmates and their stalls, and I couldn't resist stopping to chat with them for a while.
Katherine Lam, an illustrator from Brooklyn, NY, creates captivating visuals that blur the line between reality and emotion. Inspired by urban architecture and the hues of sunset, Lam infuses their work with surrealism, inviting viewers to explore the depths of their psyche. Each stroke of the brush crafts spaces mirroring the landscapes of the mind, encouraging introspection and contemplation. Lam's illustrations serve as poignant reminders of the power of visual storytelling to illuminate hidden emotions and perceptions.
Website: https://www.katherinelam.com/
Instagram: @katherinelams
