The graduate prize is a chance for art students across the United Kingdom graduating the year of 2012/2013 to present their work to wider audience. The applicants have the opportunity to win a twelve-week residency with neo: artist, one thousand pound for materials, accommodation and living expenses. Also Support with professional development, marketing and portfolio reviews. Plus two twelve months neo: associate membership & solo show.
The show is curated show in which the theme is emptiness. There are fifth teen art pieces in the gallery with a mix of medias used. The art prize is judge by three different people Sophia Crilly, Martyn Lucas and Robyn Woolston.The theme of emptiness is featured through out each piece. Although this is a curated exhibition there is a massive range of interpretations from each of the artist. The gallery is a bright and welcoming place with ample amount of space. First look at the gallery you are greeted by foiled balloons. In which I didn’t consider was part of the exhibition. This piece of artwork is by Ged young he is currently a MA student at the university of Bolton. Helium Hood (Get Well Soon, Thank You, Sorry You’re Leaving, You’ll be Missed, Congratulations, You’ve passed, I’m sorry). The fact I walked past and didn’t consider this part of the exhibition. It made me dive into the meaning and the idea behind these floating balloons. I began question the artwork. Why were the balloons filled but were weight down to floor? Why has the artist chosen plain silver balloons? Why not happy birthday or such? Why the use of helium? As I began to question his work more I began to see the balloons as a symbol for our selves as human being and how our current economic climate has and can affect people in different ways. It also touches on death and the rise of suicide and assisted suicide with this period of time. This work and the meaning behind the balloons intrigued me. I personally have a connection with this concept. This is my preferred piece as it does leave you asking so many questions.Another piece I found interesting was Aisling Mcdonagh painting called McDonagh’s .its a large green painting of a farm like area with a small house in this distance. The painting is of still from a homemade family video of the artist family farm. The green hues give you a sense of calm, homily, happy place. The piece has almost childlike quality, which creates nostalgia of a childhood memory. Because of this some people would question is this art? And quotes such as my child could do a better painting than this. However once you understand the concept and the theory behind the painting .you begin to appreciate the meaning of the work.
In conclusion I would defiantly recommended people to head down to neo; artist gallery in Bolton. To see a lot of great art work by talented artists .
http://www.neoartists.co.uk/default.asp
Sophie Deegan 