SETU celebrated the opening of ‘VISION’, the highly anticipated, annual art exhibition showcasing the work of graduates of its Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Art course.
The exhibition will run from Thursday, 15 May to Wednesday, 4 June, and was officially opened last night at the Wexford Arts Centre, with staff, students, and members of the wider community in attendance to experience the vibrant showcase of emerging talent.
Dr Els Dietvorst, Artist and Lecturer at SETU’s School of Art and Design, spoke of the calibre of student talent emerging from the bachelor’s degree. She said, “I’m so proud to witness the work of our graduates on display here this evening. Through our degree course, students go through a process of immense creative development, alongside immersion in the history of art. It is a transformative course that takes great dedication.”
She continued, “We are so lucky to continue our partnership with Wexford Arts Centre, who have supported our students’ work over many years. It’s hugely encouraging for our students to have the opportunity to present their work in this beautiful venue in the heart of our community, especially as they transition from academic study to professional practice.”
Brian Garvey, SETU Lecturer and Programme Director had this to say about the exhibition, “As art lecturers, we congratulate this year's graduating students and look forward to celebrating their successes here and in their future journey as visual artists. ‘VISION’ highlights the creative achievements of nine graduating artists from the University’s Arts Campus in Wexford."
Brian continued, "It is the culmination of four years of hard work and personal commitment on their parts. Congratulations to Anna Bekmansurova, Susan Birney-Gossage, Trish Cavanagh, Joe Doyle, Alicia Fortune, Sadhbh McCarthy McCool, Cody McEvoy, JP Sexton, and Iris Segaline."
The works on display engage with powerful themes such as memory, trauma, gender, and cultural identity, expressed through diverse artistic mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia.
Sadhbh McCarthy McCool, a graduating artist from SETU’s art course, shared insights into the inspiration behind her artworks saying, “My work, ‘Are you going to finish what I started?’ explores how socioeconomic developments impact the body. Using found objects, construction materials, performance, and printmaking, I question Ireland’s political direction, its international standing, and how neo-colonial influences still shape society.”