Happy Thursday! Although it's mid-July, the sun has yet to make a full appearance. So instead of heading to a sunny seaside town last weekend, we ventured to South East London for the impressive Goldsmiths MA Fine Art degree show.
Goldsmiths students had high expectations to meet considering the remarkable quality of the other degree shows we've visited this summer. Be sure to check out our previous Class of 2024 posts, where we highlight artists graduating from MA courses at the RA Schools, Royal College of Art, and Central Saint Martins.
The sheer volume of works on display at Goldsmiths was astounding, but this abundance did not compromise their quality. Most pieces were impeccably finished, with each solo presentation feeling like a thoughtfully curated mini exhibition.
The exceptional quality and quantity of the works made it challenging to choose just a few standout artists from the graduating cohort. Without further ado, here are five artists to watch from the Goldsmiths MA Fine Art Class of 2024:
Lucy Robson @lucymary__robson
Lucy Robson blends traditional painting techniques with cinematic imagery, delving into themes of femininity, desire, and heartbreak while referencing popular culture and female archetypes. Her work examines the regressive tendencies of feminine heterosexuality and how these desires manifest in a post-internet, late-capitalist society.
Soo Hyun Lee @todayisoohyun
Soo Hyun Lee's series, I have seen this coming, explores the dual nature of caring—how it can be both healing and self-destructive. Her broader practice investigates other elusive yet significant societal values and beliefs that deeply impact individual lives.
Salvatore Pione @salvopione
Salvatore Pione presented several works but at the centre of his space was Fontanarossa (Red Fountain), a colossal sculpture of three headless horses impaled with a pole that nods to religious sculptures in the streets of Italy. Referencing the Sicilian Mount Etna and St. Sebastian, Pione’s horses have enlarged rears, skinny waists and limp wrists that are said to be influenced by the overtly expressive nature of Southern Italians.
Alfie Worrall @__aelfraed__
Alfie Worrall draws inspiration from online re-sale sites, finding beauty in the impromptu staging, thoughtless descriptions and haphazard photography of low value secondhand objects. These elements serve as the foundation for his intricately chaotic compositions.
Beverley Duckworth @bev.duckworth
Beverley Duckworth’s practice is rooted in small acts of reparation. Her work Residue features sewn-together scraps of waste fabric covered with watercress seedlings, which are nurtured to grow small plants. This piece symbolises the regenerative power of composting. Set against an amazing view that overlooks the City of London, it challenges the stark contrast between the natural environment and the industrial nature of the city.
Duckworth has recently been named as 1 of 35 artists selected for Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2024.
The Goldsmiths showcase was one of the final graduate presentations of the summer, marking the conclusion of our Class of 2024 coverage. Throughout this series, we've offered you glimpses into the innovative and diverse work of this year's graduating students, each ready to make their mark in the professional art world.
As these emerging artists embark on their careers, your support can make a significant difference. Connect with them on social media, share their work, and consider acquiring their pieces. Every interaction helps amplify their voices and fosters their growth. Thank you for following along and celebrating the creativity and talent of the next generation of artists.