Now What

A Big Fat Thank-You...

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:30:06 +0100

…to everyone who made Now What 2012 possible. To our tutors, Andy Haslam, Roderik Mills and Rose Gridneff, for all your hammering/drilling/hosting/general helping and support. To the staff at Netil House for putting up with us. To Matt Dreyer, man of the match, and those of you who threw yourselves into organising the show. To Morag Myerscough, Evelin Kasikov, Valerio Di Lucente, Hugo Timm, Cat Rossi and Noel Douglas for participating so fantastically in the talks on Saturday. To the Brighton Lemon Bus company. To everyone who spread the word, who showed up, who supported us, drained our sponsors’ drink at the Private View, featured our work, got involved in the talks, etc., we hope you enjoyed it! And most of all thank-you to YOU LOT, GRADUATES OF UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION 2012. LOOK WHAT WE DID! :D

And finally...meet Mihai Badic

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:19:50 +0100

Mihai sees himself as part of a new generation of DIY enthusiasts empowered by new technologies and access to education and tools. To him, everything has always seemed possible: down with labels and practice restrictions! He says, “Who says I can’t be an illustrator film maker animator musician photographer motion graphics artist or anything else that I need or want to be?”

Mihai explains MAWDOT: “More than 6 years ago, this type of thinking made me choose a pseudonym, a contradiction which suggests my work is done by a collective rather than one person. It is how Many Artists Who Do One Thing was born. Since then I’ve worked for a variety of clients, spanning every area of visual communication I could imagine and, recently, the sphere of sounds too.”

“I was there, you know” - Short film exploring the human condition through a series of fragmented moments from a young woman’s life.

“Eye Octane Animated Ident” - Video ident for startup company Eye Octane, an “extreme sport video production and marketing company” based in Brighton.

“Tru Thoughts T-Shirts” - Limited Edition Tshirt illustrations commissioned by legendary UK music label Tru Thoughts.

“Riva Chair MK 3” - One of a photo series done for independent furniture maker Patrick Collingwood.

“Youth Advocacy Project” - One of a series of illustrations commissioned by the Brighton & Hove Council

Visit Mihai’s website for more work and info.

Meet Matt Dreyer

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 16:09:37 +0100

Matthew Dreyer, what would we have done without him? We definitely would not have such a well put-together exhibition if he hadn’t thrown himself so whole-heartedly into organising pretty much everything. He’s going to tell me off for writing this but I don’t care. If you want something done, he’s your man. Here’s some of his work…

‘Nature’

A majority of Matt’s work revolves around digital processes; but everything he does stems from the physical world. He also thinks the idea of frames is interesting, especially when considering moving image work. We’re so used to seeing a narrative in a linear format in a single frame, scene by scene. In the following video, ‘If morality is broke, we can fix it’, he tried to show how there is an opportunity to explore narrative when moving image is structured in a non linear format, treating each scene as a frame on his virtual wall.

‘Research and Development’

Although they are something that remains on Matt’s bookshelf, for his last year of university work he produced three Research & Development publications. He says he realises the work he’s produced this year could be seen as quite introverted, but the publications aim to give the projects more context than just final pieces. They managed to make their way onto Matt’s exhibition shelf at Now What.

Matt exhibited “some things that move” at Now What, and also pointed out that if you had a keen eye you might have seen Jessica Alba. Did you?

LAST DAY TODAY!

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 15:56:45 +0100

Come along and have a look before we dismantle our wonderful show at 5pm. It’s worth it!

Photo

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 14:44:27 +0100

If you are based a little further away from the Hackney area get...

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 14:33:00 +0100

If you are based a little further away from the Hackney area get yourself to one of the places the bus will be stopping for a lift to the private view! There will be drinks and music on the bus.

http://www.thebiglemon.com/

Meet FAUX

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:44:00 +0100

Faux puts her practice into such beautiful words that I’m going to let her tell you what she does…

“I am an artist who works mainly with animation, film and web based art.”

‘Showreel’

‘Neo-Paganism’

“I enjoy seeking a pretty in the ugly, and creating landscapes of make believe. My work is often tongue-in-cheek, with a vague narrative in which the viewer can distinguish, but usually comments on an observation of the everyday.

With a fascination for the hyperreal, teleshopping, retro futurism, virtual reality, cheap luxury, and poundshop bling, I am eager to enter the realm of visual communication with a precession of weird and wonderful work.”

To dig a bit deeper into Faux’s world click here. (This website is definitely worth a look!)

Meet STUDIO HER / Sarah Julia Clark

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:35:04 +0100

Sarah’s work takes two directions, one driven by aesthetic and the tactile nature of objects, under the name Sarah Julia Clark, and the other, STUDIO HER, where the pornification of mainstream media is the driving force for her work.

At Now What Sarah will exhibit a body of work focused on modern female pop stars and the pornification of mainstream media. In her eyes some is not suitable for children, but then again it’s often at their eye level on the news stands anyway.

‘Idols’
Sneaky peek of some screen prints Sarah will be displaying at Now What.

‘All That I Am’
A short film looking at the parallels between the life of a prostitute and a bride, examining the symbolism behind the marriage ceremony and where female power lies amongst traditional ritual.

‘Barbie/ Porn’
(speaks for itself!)

‘Ladies First’
Explores the ideas of gentlemanly behaviours and the ridiculous gender etiquette which people still play up to even today.

Now What? Sarah says, “Amongst lots of screen printing, my research has begun for a feature length film about pornography and a few subversive surprises along the way. Hopefully working on a creative project with Nicki Minaj too, when she eventually replies to my e-mail.”

Isn’t she great? Visit Sarah’s website and STUDIO HER, and then come and see some more female-empowering work at Now What. Not long to wait!

Meet Hannah Bingham

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:16:42 +0100

Hannah struggles to call herself a graphic designer; she approaches her discipline with a fluid open approach. She enjoys making things, takes great pleasure in detail and describes herself as a wizard with a scalpel.

The paper sculpture below responds to Sir Frederick Treves quote (The Elephant Man and other Reminiscences Star Publications 1923) “They were of the commonest and most familiar kind. But they were evidently regarded by him as rare and precious specimens.”

Hannah doesn’t give much away about her work in the show, but says that her pieces are unified by intricate detail.

Now what? Hannah says, “Who knows? I’ll probably keep making things, and see what happens…”

In the meantime, come and see her beautiful work in TWO DAYS TIME!

Meet Tom Matthews

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 20:44:29 +0100

Tom is interested in everyday life and the problems that come with it. Stemming from an interest in American suburbia, he recently explored the underlying discontent that exists there. Anxiety, depression and mid-life crisis can often be the result of the banality of suburban life, something Tom has portrayed in various paintings that loosely relate to the short stories of John Cheever and Raymond Carver. Featuring characters who seem to be on the edge, Tom describes them as ‘troubled, humorous and perhaps slightly sinister’.

Tom is currently working on new paintings that explore similar themes, but without a human presence.

Visit tom’s website to see more, and come to Now What to meet the strikingly handsome devil in the flesh.

Meet Chandni Patel

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 20:33:13 +0100

Chandni says she is “a graphic designer: an image maker, photographer, information designer, film maker, and much more.” She loves how much graphic design has to offer and she likes to experiment with everything that she can. Chandni says she loves what she does and could not be any more passionate about design. She enjoys the process and journey each of her projects take, as she believes “this is the secret ingredient to a great outcome!” I’ll let Chandni take it from here…

‘When Things Spin Out Of Control’
“The making of the film ‘When Things Spin Out Of Control’ where I used Jenny Holzer’s quote as a metaphor for fishing and filmed fishermen in the winter period. Even with the extreme weather conditions and despite being drenched by the waves, I had so much fun filming and got some great shots!”

‘The Kiss’
“A book format inspired by the cacti, where the war poetry of Siegfried Sassoon is used as a metaphor to explore the nature of the cacti species. ‘The Kiss’ plays upon the contrasting appearance of the cacti drawing to the idea of the beauty and the beast.”

‘A Circular Stroll: A Confabulation Of The Mind’
“A visual exploration into the characteristic features of the mind during the process of confabulation. For me, the feelings and connections that images can create for an individual is something rather beautiful. I love creating images that move individuals, and take them to a different space where they can form their own connections and stories.”

Check out Chandni’s website to see more.

Saturday...

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 17:33:33 +0100

Meet Michael Nunn

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 17:28:00 +0100

Michael is interested in the distance between what we see and the meaning we perceive, stemming from a need to understand the world around him and an innate curiosity. This is often linked to forgery and validity of fakes, whether something can be more or less real depending on what you believe. Michael also enjoys using process and making, whether that means making facsimiles or using a computer to generate ‘fake patterns’.

‘Rocks Covered in The Idea of Themselves - Pseudo Rocks’
A visual study of rock-effect spray.

‘Stages of Representation’
A picture of a copy of a picture of a fake rock from Star Trek Season 01 Episode 20.

‘Artifact/Artifact Pattern’
A visual distortion pattern taken from a photo of an artifact resized 1000 times.

Meet Kotryna Abromaityte

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 17:21:00 +0100

Kotryna illustrates stories, and her beautiful work speaks for itself. Have a look at her website to find out more.

Meet the speakers: JULIA

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 23:46:00 +0100

[Taken from Julia’s website]

Julia is Valerio Di Lucente (Italy), Erwan Lhuissier (France) and Hugo Timm (Brazil). We met at the Royal College of Art in London, founding the studio in 2008 upon our graduation. We work on books, typefaces, exhibition design, posters, websites, identities and tablet applications. Our practice is complemented by teaching in the UK and abroad.

Representatives from Julia will be taking part in the discussion evening on Saturday 7th July at Now What, come along to hear their views on subjects such as the future of design and design education.

Meet the speakers: NOEL DOUGLAS

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 23:26:00 +0100

[Taken from Noel’s website]
“I am an Artist, Designer, Activist, Educator and Musician. I have a Degree in Fine Art and a Masters in Computer Related Design (Interaction Design). I currently am the Programme Leader for the Design For Communication (Graphic Design/Illustration/Advertising Design) degree course at the University of Bedfordshire. I have taught art and design in several art schools and universities in the UK and led workshops and given talks in Europe, Asia and the USA.”

Noel will be taking part in the discussion evening on Saturday 7th July at Now What, come along to hear his views on subjects such as the future of design and design education.

Meet the speakers: EVELIN KASIKOV

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 23:16:00 +0100

Evelin Kasikov is a graphic designer specialising in print and editorial design. Born in Estonia, lives and works in London. She began her career in advertising but it was not until 2006 when she started to experiment with craft during her MA at Central Saint Martins. Evelin Kasikov is the author of CMYK embroidery, an original handmade printing technique she began to develop at St Martins. Her approach to craft is analytical and firmly rooted in her graphic design background. She uses typography, grid systems and design techniques to challenge the preconceptions of embroidery.
[Taken from Evelin’s website]

Evelin will be taking part in the discussion evening on Saturday 7th July at Now What, come along to hear her views on subjects such as the future of design and design education, etc.

Meet Chloe Taylor

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 19:59:01 +0100

Intrigued by our commodity lead society, Chloe questions the relationship between objects and the viewer. In ‘Planned Obsolescece’ she explores our throw-away society by removing the function of mobile phones, promoting the viewer to question the disposability of the object. You’ll be able to see examples of this in her display at Now What.

Chloe is also particularly inspired by surrealists photographers such as Man Ray Hans Bellmer. This has lead to her use of photography as a medium to communicate. In ‘A Celebration’ (shown below)she explores representations of the body. This project will also be at Now What, better come and have a look?

Chloe’s love of food has also influenced her practise, for self promotion she created chocolate lolly sticks which she embossed her details onto. A selection will be available at Now What to be enjoyed dipped in tea, coffee or swirled into hot milk to make hot chocolate. (I’ve had one, you want one too, believe me).

She also enjoys experimenting with various hands on print processes, integrating type and colour to create bold outcomes. This print is from project 1/1, which can be seen in full at Now What and prints will be for sale in the Now What shop.

When asked what’s next for Chloe, she replied with a simple two words: Big Plans.

What more could you want from her? Visit Chlo’s website to see what she’s got to give…

Meet Jenny Moorcroft

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:40:36 +0100

Jenny’s work has had varied outcomes this year as she has experimented with technique and continued to developed her style. She has taken more of an interest in creating imagery and type by hand, breaking away from the mac. One technique that Jenny has enjoyed playing with has been laser cutting, she is interested in the fragility that can be achieved and also by the application of the design.
Some of the following projects will be on display at Now What.

‘Great Expectations’
1 of 5 posters created to celebrate the 200th Birthday of Charles Dickens. Imagery focuses on the dark side of Dickens’ novels and layered plots. Each poster has Victorian wallpaper worked into it to represent the family values that the Victorians and Dickens lived by.

In collaboration with Jacqueline Choi, one of a series of photographs taken for a Degree show branding pitch. The concept of a book, a grounded and fixed beginning suspended in water, giving fluidity to the idea. Representing a student coming through Art and Design University.

A book that Jenny designed to visualise WW1 through the poems written during the war. Taking inspiration from the hand written letters the soldiers received and sent home from the front, and the fact that the view we have on the war is a partial view as none of us were there. Using laser cutting to achieve views through the book from any page, but only a partial view.

Meet Roz Edenbrow

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 23:57:45 +0100

Rossie is interested in organising events within a creative environment. She has been involved in planning both the interim show in our second year ‘Up To Now’, and in ‘Now What’. She’s also the founder of Brighton University Women’s Institute. Roz is a lover of books and and she’s inspired by independent publishers. Her design work is inspired by interviews, collections and literature.

Visit Roz’s website to find out more about her!