Years after tossing their graduation caps, a group of Illustration BA Honours alumni from the Class of 2000 returned to the University of Westminster to showcase their work at an exhibition at the London Gallery West space on Westminster’s Harrow Campus.
The exhibition, named T26ETHER AGAIN, was held between 4-7 February and was an opportunity to showcase exceptional artists who have continued their creative journeys across the UK and beyond. Alumni included Artemis Raouna Muzzolon, Dan Taylor, Eugene Ankomah, Lewis Campbell, Max Paternoster and Shema Ladva, who, after building their careers, have returned as painters, published illustrators, animators, fine artists, printmakers, filmmakers, mentors and educators.
As a collective, the alumni had the creative freedom to develop their own ideas towards their art for the exhibition, reflecting on their own personal journeys over the past 26 years. They each had input about the message they wanted to spread to other working artists regardless of what stage of career they are at.
Shema Ladva said: “Perseverance and patience are a virtue in this line of work. There will have been many achievements and equally many failures, but it's truly about all the hard work in between. We six are testament to that theory.
“The Illustration BA Honours course exposed us to so many disciplines of art. It was hard to pin down any one favourite form of working. The course let me experiment with mixed media, printmaking and painting where previously I had never been given the chance. I was very lucky to have found the perfect course at the perfect time and meet all the amazing fellow students and tutors who remain my true friends in arms in the art world today.”
Artemis Raouna, one of the alumni members, added: “Studying at the University of Westminster gave me the critical grounding and freedom to experiment, helping me develop the artistic language that continues to evolve throughout my career.”
The exhibition directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn about Art, Design and Visual Culture courses at the University of Westminster.
Shema Ladva
Artemis Raouna Muzzolon
Eugene Ankomah
Dan Taylor
Lewis Campbell
Max Paternoster
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