Horizontal artist collaboration
21 September 2009
We all found the University to be really supportive of our work
”Anna Mawby, Fine Art Graduate
Visit the artist's websites
- Angela Pressley www.edge-studio.co.uk
- Joanna Geldard www.afternature.co.uk
- Ann Mawby www.annamawby.com
- Saira Lloyd www.sairalloyd.com
A group of 2007 graduates from the University of Derby; Joanna Geldard, Anna Mawby, Saira Lloyd and Angela Pressley have come together as an art collective under the name "Horizontal".
They exhibited their launch exhibition at Feste Weekend in Derby's city centre. They transformed an empty derelict shop into an "Alice in wonderland" style scene with the help of three other students Craig Lindley, Shirley Smith and Jade Brown.
The artist's commented, "We couldn't have done the exhibition without the help of Jade, Shirley and Craig, the sponsors and the donations." The students had the support from the University of Derby, Deda, Derby City Council.
The initial inspiration for the exhibition was to work with the contrast of white alongside the "Alice in Wonderland" theme.
Saira's inspiration for her individual piece revolved around genetics and the past, and Joanna focused on the queen of chess, movement and memory. They used laser cutting techniques to create their exhibition pieces. They both graduated with MA (Masters) ADAPT in Art and Design: Advanced Practice and Theories.
Angela took inspiration from childhood memory, space and recollection and she used 3D wire sculptures on wooden pallets to express this.
Anna looked at whiteness and transparency as a basis of reflection. Anna interestingly suspended five transparent trees from the ceiling which came to life when a hand held torch was shone on them. Anna and Angela both graduated with Firsts in Fine Art.
The students received particular help from our third year Visual Communications (Graphic Design) student, Craig Lindley who was responsible for the design of the marketing package.
Saira said, "It has been a fantastic experience and Craig has visualized our identity as a group very well".
Joanna added, "Craig has taken control of the marketing package with his own creative ideas and he has reflected the vision of the group very confidently".
Joanna also says, "We're delighted to be working together as a collective group of women as it's rare women collaborate in the arts world."
Horizontal plan to exhibit in London in the future and on an international basis.
Have a look at their website to see when Horizontal are next exhibiting.
Take a look at their exhibition pieces in the gallery.