It has been a year since I graduated from the Royal Academy Schools and it’s been a pleasure returning to observe what my contemporaries have been working on. I’m not saying this as a bias advocator, but as a critical thinker and art lover, proud to witness a postgraduate show of such diverse talent.
My personal favourite is the work of Kraig Wilson, a Northern lad that lives up to the persona of a tortured artist. His family portraits are very sophisticated for an artist with no formal photography training, fresh out his BA upon application to the RA. It is also testament to his dedication and the dedication to his peers and staff at the RA. His photographs exist somewhere between Melanie Manchot and in the words of Brain Griffiths ‘Sally Mann, Sally Mann, Sally Mann’ neither a comparison to be shy of. The rawness of Kraig’s subject matter is challenging whilst retaining a perfect balance between its poignant complexities and sublime painterly beauty.
Another favourite is John Lawrence’s video projection appropriating stock imagery that could so easily stay firmly rooted in its naff generic iconography, but in fact moves swiftly and eloquently into symbology, looking at popular culture through powerful semiotics.
Matt Coombe’s simple but ambitious architectural renovation is serene and a pleasure to stand amidst.
There are of course more than 3 artists in this exhibition, all of which are noteworthy. If you miss the Royal Academy Schools show 2010 you should be disappointed!
