What a week! Momentus! Unpresidented! There have been so many ceremonies and historical acts past. As a spectacle of pageantry, it has been incredibly interesting. Of course, the death of a Mother and Grandmother is sad, on a human level and many will mourn the passing of a great leader and 'servant to the country' in their own ways. Are some of you off to London this weekend to pay your respects? On Monday the 19th, the Queen's funeral will take place, a historic occasion, not seen by anyone in all of the college communities' lifetimes. Will you be watching? Will you mark the event in your way? In this week's blog, I have shown the Queen to be a supporter of the arts, she has sat more many portraits and 1000s of artists have depicted her. The National Portrait Gallery is full of pictures of Monarchy alongside her own collections. The Queen understood how art can influence a nation and sends a message to the world without needing to speak. A trick that has been used by all powerful people for millennia. Will King Charles support the arts in the same way? No doubt he will? I've also shared some David Attenborough work; he too is an elder statement using the arts to tell his story. Maybe you can start to do that yourself.
The passing of any human is sad and this week the Queen died. Culturally and Historically this is obviously a huge event and it has dominated the news across the world. Artistically the Queen is one of the the most depicted people in the world, in all media. There are some great pictures and some terrible ones. Artists have tried to show her in a variety of ways, approachable, regal, relaxed and powerful. Each portrait tells it's own story, like good art should. However, The Queen's death has effected you and your family, there is no denying the cultural significance she has had on the UK and the World, so I've listed some articles and blogs below for you to explore some of the images.
Here is an article that explains how the Royals use art to control the narrative on them. With 1000s of artworks created, their is a lot to take in. Click here. Well worth a read.
If you click on this link you'll see an article of 30 portraits of the Queen, from paintings to selfies with her in the background. Some are tributes, some mock. A really interesting response to the idea of a portrait of the Queen and maybe an insight into her as a person?
pictured above: Chris Levine Lightness of Being 2008 pictured left: Justin Mortimer, The Queen (1997).
BBC: FROZEN PLANET TWO
The BBC does natures documentaries very well, this one is obviously no different. Some incredible behaviors captured (The Orca hunting especially in Ep 1) and the cinemaphotography is superb. You'll learn a lot about the issues surrounding these animals too. Great for research and visual ideas for potential projects.
WATCH THE SERIES ON THE IPLAYER HERE ALSO AVAILABLE ON ESTREAM THROUGH STUDENT PORTAL.
BBC: ALL THAT GLITTERS: BRITAIN'S NEXT JEWELLRY STAR
Series two of the show has just begun of this Bake off/ Throwdown style competition for buddying jewellry designers. Katherine Ryan hosts and each week the designers have to create Jewellry that fits this weeks brief. Great to see the design process in action and she how you will need to work, in all creative industries. Working to deadlines and impressing clients.
WATCH THE SERIES ON THE IPLAYER HERE ALSO AVAILABLE ON ESTREAM THROUGH STUDENT PORTAL.
EXHIBITION: STARTING OUT: AN EXHIBITION ABOUT GROWING UP IN BOLTON: BOLTON MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
In the special exhibitions room through the left hand side, there is the exhibition of youth, full of artifacts and images from across time, it'll be interesting to see what you recognise and how is your life different to the generations before you. A great example of how to make the everyday interesting. Much like our induction competition task. have a look and be inspired.
They say: "Our big exhibition this summer explores 100 years of being young in Bolton. Packed with classic toys, games, photographs and local people’s memories, it will take you on a trip back into childhood.
A special section of the exhibition celebrates the joy and creativity of youth culture, especially through music."
Top illustrators and Designers 2022
Into illustration and Graphic Design, here's a website of featured young designers for you to see what the expectations of you will be should you choose a creative pathway. Loads of great images, from art to adverts. Something for everyone, see what trends are around today.