Category: A-Level Fine Art
SAMUEL LAWTON
Project Title: Gender Roles
My project explores the negative effects of forced gender roles in society, how we are expected to dress, speak and behave in a certain way.
I love drawing the fabrics and textures of clothes so decided to focus on stereotypically gendered outfits. I combined this with the artist Jose Romussi to created layered embroidery artworks to represent he disconnect between how people want to express themselves, and what people choose to wear.
I also created a series of life drawings to explore physical differences between people of different genders and body types to show how we are immediately perceived judged by others.
MILLIE COOPER
Project Title: Expression Through Abstraction
The theme for my project was ‘expression through abstraction’. I wanted to look at how techniques such as collaging, and abstraction of portraiture can give a piece an expressionist aesthetic. I started by looking at portraiture and the different ways in which I could abstract an image/portrait. I also wanted to incorporate the colour theory into my work as I believe that this helped me grasp the ideas behind giving my work more of an ‘emotional’ approach.
JOSEPH THOMPSON
Project Title: Manhood and Masculinity
In this project, I explore the subject of manhood and masculinity. Specifically, from a biological stand point, what differentiates men from their sexual counterparts; what traits are innate to men from a biological and evolutionary standpoint, such as competitiveness or dominance; from an anatomical stand point – build, muscle tone, facial sexual dimorphism – and how these traits have been gradually restrained and altered over time and up to contemporary society.
Why do men have thicker bones, broader shoulders? Are these traits, stemming from a primitive age, useless in modern civilisation? Aside from these physical traits of typical masculinity. What are the mental features which distinguish men from women? I plan to explore through colour psychology and symbolism, a range of different colours and combinations that attribute male psychology, e.g., coolness of emotion via cool colours, but on the other end of the spectrum of male temperament, testosterone-induced passion via warm colours.
In my research, I have responded to the works of Da Vinci’s anatomical drawings. I have made drawings inspired by his scientific dissections of muscles and bones of men; furthermore, I have also to make use of his materials, such as quill pens and chalks. On top of that, I made art in response to STELARC’s biotic limbs and organs, which has helped to pose the question of how important the evolutionary traits of men are in the modern world when considering the integration of technology into our daily lives. This is a major concern in the work industry with labourers losing their jobs to machines – what’s the need for strength when a machine is several times more efficient?
ABBY STANILAND
Project Title: Identity, Memories and age
My project explores the concept of identity, memories and age. I viewed how one’s younger self could still shine through besides their aged exterior and physical appearance – and what is deemed to be their ‘golden point’ in life.
I researched into the history of gold in art and its representation in religious art and how the viewer could interpret its meaning in various ways. I also looked at the development of childhood drawings and how the development of children’s artwork can reflect their own personal experiences hence being a visual representation of their identity.
My intent was to explore highly detailed portraiture with multiple layers of mixed media – which this mainly consisted of watercolour, coloured pencil, fine liner and gouache to further reflect to layers to ones identity and personality.
JAMES STACEY
Project Title: Animals and Humans
My art project explores human perception of animals and how these different attitudes inform the relationships we have with them.
This theme has given me great scope to explore different strands in my project varying from companionship with owners to the horrendous meat markets in China. I have also looked into how culture and religion can elevate certain animal’s status as gods, such as the elephant god Ganesha.
Within this project i have been able to depict different atmosphere to reflect the mood of the piece. This was heavily influenced by my research into shock art and the work of Jenny Savile who highlights real life pain and struggle in an impactful and realistic manner.
By using a final series i was able to finalise the different strands of my project whilst being able to highlight the vast contrast in the way we view animals and how our views can be moulded and altered.
MYRA KHAN
Project Title: Unconventional Beauty
I have produced range of A2 portraits communicating the concept of unconventional beauty, through distortion and representation of unattractive portraiture as well as appearances pre and post plastic surgery. I aimed to capture the beauty existing in contemporary ugliness.
I found working with oil paints and charcoal allowed me to achieve realism, demonstrating an abstract concept in a more traditional style.
Upon producing responses inspired by artists Gillian Lambert and Martin Higgs, I began experimenting with 3-D elements, using materials such as bandages and stitching onto portraits using string to emulate the realities of cosmetic procedures. My abstract use of brighter colours within my work are inspired by the striking backgrounds often seen in editorial magazines featuring beauty models; emphasising my portrayal of unappealing features in a beautified manner.
GEORGINA GUY
Project Title: Dreams and the Subconscious Mind
My project explores dreams and the subconscious mind, my final pieces serving as abstract depictions of three of four separate pathways of this project, replica five of the dreams and subconscious thoughts unique to each of the subjects I interviewed. My in-depth research into dream content inspired each separate section, and each subject chosen relayed dreams that led to very distinct pathways; one suffered from insomnia, another had very vibrant dreams that incorporated warped versions of people they knew in their waking life. Subject 3 had unrealistic and fantastical dream content.
WILLIAM EDWARDS
Project Title: Urban Environments
My project ended up being inspired by gritty urban environments, dilapidated streets and the graffiti that appears within these places. I used animals as a broad starting point to explore different styles and techniques; I ended up being drawn towards the erratic, expressive and gritty styles. I narrowed the focus towards Pigeons, as they tend to inhabit these areas most often. My final pieces used a combination of collage work, spray-paint, graffiti marks and biro drawing. My aim was to recreate the sense of anarchy and doom found in the graffiti in these run down areas.
STEPHANIE CLEAVER
Project Title: Architecture in Colour
In my project, I explored how colour has an impact on how different types of architecture. For example, using two contrasting styles of architecture such as Christian and Victorian styles allowed me to experiment with different materials.
When looking at Christian style architecture, I was influenced by artists such as John Piper where I looked at similar colour schemes. I used mediums like fine liner and biro. However, for the Victorian style, I was inspired by Michael Goro and John Atkinson Grimshaw. Mediums like charcoal, ink and printing allowed me to convey this style in my work. This supported the development of my project looking at how colour can have an impact on how architecture can be perceived.
A defining point in my project was the introduction of dry-point etching which influenced a major part of my project. I went onto create a3 pieces using this technique incorporating colour schemes that reflect the different types of architecture.
A-LEVEL FINE ART
In a usual year A level Fine art students would have the opportunity to complete two projects over the duration of year two. One self-set, the other selected from externally set topics released by the exam board and whose final outcome would be produced during an exam . These would normal form a 60/40 split .This year the students have been completing one project for the whole year. The pieces of work you see here are the results of a very difficult year, both academically and generally. The results are a real testament to my student’s resilience, willingness to engage with online learning and the sheer determination of every single one of them. They should be extremely proud of their achievements, as I am and I wish them all the luck for the future.
Gillian Worley, A-Level Fine Art Tutor, Dudley Sixth
