Students enjoy inspiring visit to Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Hepworth Gallery
Art degree learners from Coleg Menai engaged with contemporary and historical works, and heard a talk from a college alumna now working as a curator at the gallery
Coleg Menai art degree students recently enjoyed an inspiring and immersive study trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield.
Learners on the Art and Design Foundation degree, BA (Hons) Art and Design and BA (Hons) Fine Art explored a wide range of exhibitions and major collections during the trip.
They engaged with contemporary and historical art at both venues, gathered research for their own developing practices, and deepened their understanding of the art world.
The trip provided direct engagement with works they will study in theory, which they had only previously seen in books or online. Throughout the trip, sketchbooks and cameras were in constant use as students documented their experiences.
At Yorkshire Sculpture Park, students explored world-leading exhibitions of contemporary art including large-scale installations, experimental video works, and environmental art, design and craft. Students were encouraged to critically engage with themes explored within exhibits, taking notes and photographs for use in their induction projects back at college.
Some of the highlights included a William Kentridge retrospective in Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the Helen Chadwick exhibition at the Hepworth Gallery.
While at the Hepworth, students were given an introduction to the collection and contemporary exhibitions by curator Abi Shapiro - an alumna of the Art Foundation course at Coleg Menai in 2009.
Course Leader Helen Jones said: “The study visit to both Yorkshire sculpture Park and The Hepworth Gallery was a fantastic experience which allowed students to contextualise both historical and contemporary fine art practice through first-hand experience.
“This will expand their understanding of their own practice in the development of their studio work as it develops throughout the course.”
She added: “Students took full advantage of the opportunity to draw, take notes, and photograph artworks that resonated with their personal themes.
“The diversity of artworks on show across both venues provided fresh insight into different media, styles, and curatorial approaches – all vital for emerging artists developing their own voices. These observations will feed directly into their ongoing projects and studio work.”
Do you want to work in the Art & Design sector? Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers a range of courses from Level 1 to degree level. Learn more here.