Student art a micro-climate of creativity

From crocheted rabbits to neon tiki, pop art and illustrative pieces – WITT art students will be showcasing their finest work in two separate exhibitions of contemporary art this month.

The first exhibition – Micro-Climate – will launch on Friday, 14 November and is open to the public from November 15 (Open Day) to Sunday 16 November. It features art by students in the New Zealand Diploma of Arts and Design (Levels 5 and 6), and includes painting, drawing, design, printmaking and sculpture.

“There’s a lot of experimentation and exploration as students respond to a range of creative briefs,” says Senior Creative Arts Tutor Philippa Berry-Smith.

She and fellow tutors are delighted with the range and scope of artwork by the Level 5 and 6 students exhibiting in the first show. It’s been fully organised, planned, curated and promoted by the ākonga (students) as part of their learning on what it takes to be a creative professional.

“It’s not just about sitting in front of your canvas or being in the studio,” says Philippa. “Students also need to understand how to navigate the art world when it comes to networking with galleries and organising events so they connect with people who can support their work.”

“Students have called the show ‘Micro-climate’ to reference their ‘micro-climate’ of creativity,” says Senior Creative Arts Tutor Dr Elliot Collins.

Caption: Level 6 art student Elyse Lewis with her artworks.

Artists’ final year work celebrated

The second exhibition showcases work by graduating ākonga from the Bachelor of Design and Arts (Level 7). This show displays the progression of studio work by six students focussed on developing and refining their creative vision and style.

Senior Creative Arts Tutor Ged Guy said the highlight of this show is celebrating the final work of Level 7 students, many of whom have been at WITT for three or four years of study.

“These students have spent their final year designing and creating work for this show,” says Philippa. “They do extensive research and delve into the art processes they want to explore to deliver a high standard of work that you’d be impressed to find in any professional gallery.”

• Micro-climate launches at 6pm on Friday 14 November and is open till 16 November.
• Bachelor of Design and Art Graduate Exhibition opens on Thursday 20 November at 6pm and runs from 21-27 November.

Both exhibitions are open to the public, free entry and can be found at WITT Art Department (F block), 20 Bell Street, Welbourn, Ngāmotu.

Caption: (top) Art student Ben Lewis in his workspace at WITT.