A group of aspiring artists from Coleg Gwent are taking part in their first exhibition based on the theme of upcycling.
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students transformed old objects which inspired them, such as music, vinyl records, maps and fabric, into completely new and personal pieces of art.
Their work is on display at The Model House, Llantrisant, Cardiff, until March. The exhibition, held in a space reserved for local artists in the gallery, is an opportunity for students to think about the presentation of their work to an audience, which is just one of the skills they will need to master to pass the one year course.
“Students have worked hard to breathe new life and individual personality into the objects that inspired them,” said art lecturer Leander Parker.
“It’ll be the first time many of them have exhibited their work in public, so it’ll be a great experience, and one which will hopefully build their confidence and skills.”
Rhianna Slack, 18 from Newport, previously studied A Level Graphic Design at the campus and will be going to university to study art in September after completing the diploma. Rhianna, who eventually hopes to become a games animator, has been building up her portfolio with college projects over the last few years, including illustrations for a children’s book, an advertising campaign and a shop front design.
Her work for the upcycling project features western newspaper cuttings over a fabric print of a Japanese geisha, depicting a contrast of cultures.
Speaking about the upcycling exhibition she said: “It’s been exciting to discover how to use old objects for a new and more personal piece of work. It’s a fantastic way for us to develop our skills even further towards a professional level.”
Other pieces created by the group include:
A collection of boxes layered with old pages to resemble books with new drawings inside based on Hamlet by 18 year-old Sinead Vaughn from Crosskeys.
Pencil drawings of Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Munroe drawn over music scores by Hannah Lloyd, 19 from Tredegar.
Maps and illustrations presented in box frames with conveying traditional Welsh themes and the family history of Sarah Louise White, 18 from Blaenavon.
Vinyl records used to illustrate the changes in the music industry by Mason James, 18 from Tredegar.