Spectacular work by De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) graduates will be revealed online next week, celebrating the remarkable resilience they’ve shown during a global pandemic.
Jessica's hyper realistic tropic prints
Traditionally one of Leicester's biggest art and design exhibitions, coronavirus has seen this year’s DMU Degree Show move to a dedicated Instagram account - @dmudegreeshow – to ensure talented graduates gain valuable exposure to industry professionals, potential employers and the public.
From Monday 28 September to Thursday 1 October, creations across art, design, architecture, fashion and textiles will be published daily, with some graduates taking over the account’s Instagram Stories to share their inspirations and future plans.
Graduates and current students alike will also be invited to join a series of exclusive live-streams throughout the show, to hear from and pose questions to leading industry experts, as well as successful DMU alumni.
Among those showcasing their work is Textile Design graduate Jessica Gibson with hyper realistic homeware prints inspired by tropical landscapes. After hand drawing them in coloured pencil, she used Photoshop to refine them and make pattern repeats, before getting them printed onto fabric.
The 22-year-old from South Yorkshire said: “I got my designs printed on silk, velvet and cotton and they look wonderful. I’ve been making cushions and selling them in my Etsy shop, alongside doing some freelancing.”
Earlier this year, Jessica’s work was recognised by the Bradford Textiles Society. She won first prize in her category, earning an £800 bursary and a placement with Prestigious Textiles Ltd which she will undertake next month.
Luxurious lingerie set by Emma
Contour Fashion graduate Emma Richardson is sharing a corset with built-in cups, knickers with suspenders and pearl tulle sleeves. She combined Chantilly lace, tulle and satin with intricate pattern cutting and delicate lace placement to create her luxurious lingerie.
“It’s a relief to be able to showcase anything at all, so I am really grateful considering the circumstances. Some recognition from industry would be amazing and I hope my work can inspire any current or future students,” said the 22-year-old from Leicestershire.
Heather's colourful glass work
Inspired by stained glass church windows and Murrine glass-making techniques, Design Crafts graduate Heather Bolton is showing off some of her experimental pieces.
The 22-year-old from Derbyshire said: “Glass is such a versatile material and I love trying out different techniques and playing with colours to see what happens.
“Being a part of the show is great, but I’m really excited about returning to campus to finish off some of the work I had to set aside when coronavirus forced DMU to close. Our tutors have offered us two weeks in the workshops and I’m really grateful.”
Sustainable hotel design by Paulina
Interior Design graduate Paulina Stelmach is showcasing a sustainable and plant-based hotel. Thanks to detailed research she has carefully considered sourcing her materials and produce locally, in line with the ethos behind her design.
“I’m hoping that the show will potentially be seen by companies and employers. I also want to see projects completed by my fellow graduates because we didn’t really have a chance to do that this year,” said the 22-year-old whose family moved from Poland to Ireland when she was eight.
Show-stopping fashion collection by Ellis
Denim and industrial influences punctuate the illustrations on show from Fashion Design graduate Ellis Whitehurst. Building on her earlier collection, her latest womenswear includes flashes of her favourite colour (pink), as well as a nod to current trends such as bleached denim.
Architecture MArch graduate Jessica Sayer is presenting her concept for a carbon neutral and fully sustainable village community set in the heart of Leicester.
Her innovative project - including models made through 3D printing, plaster and vacuum forming, and form-based experimentation - was nominated for the RIBA East Midlands Student Award 2020.
“It feels great that the Degree Show will recognise the work that everyone has put in this year, despite their hardships,” said the 24-year-old from Lincolnshire.
3D model of Jessica's innovative community concept
Watch a preview of what’s to come in the DMU Art and Design Degree Show.
Posted on Friday 25 September 2020