SARDINES: The Finale
Our degree show, Sardines, has now concluded, and the deinstallation process is underway. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the opening night, which turned out to be the largest the university has seen in recent years, with over 200 people in attendance. It was incredible to witness such a tremendous turnout, affirming the value of our hard work.
Photographs by Andy Lord, courtesy of University of Leeds
Our degree show, Sardines, has now concluded, and the deinstallation process is underway. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the opening night, which turned out to be the largest the university has seen in recent years, with over 200 people in attendance. It was incredible to witness such a tremendous turnout, affirming the value of our hard work and the impact our artistic expressions had on the community.
Photographs by Andy Lord, courtesy of University of Leeds
A special thank you goes out to my peers who were instrumental in bringing this transformative show to life. Skye Davies deserves particular recognition for her significant contributions to marketing and social media management, playing a pivotal role in promoting the event and engaging our audience. Her reliability as a collaborator on previous exhibitions was invaluable, and I am grateful for her unwavering commitment. Tiago Beltraõ, Fergus Thomas, Michael Grayshon, and Jun Rui Lo also deserve praise for their creative efforts in designing the striking poster that captured the essence of Sardines. Ruth Dodgson and Imogen Climo are to be commended for their dedication to curation, meticulously arranging the artworks to allow each piece to shine.
Moreover, I am deeply grateful for the tireless artists who consistently lent a helping hand throughout the installation process. Their unwavering support and collective effort ensured every detail was executed with precision, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience.
Photographs by Andy Lord, courtesy of University of Leeds
Immense gratitude is owed to the technicians – Peter Morton, David Sowerby, Jubal Green, Jenny Handley, Katherine Lacey, and Ellen Burroughs. Without their expertise, guidance, and steadfast backing, realizing our artistic visions to their fullest potential would not have been possible. They were with us every step of the way.
Heartfelt thanks also go to our module leaders, Julia McKinley and Nick Thurston, for their constant support and invaluable guidance. Their mentorship and belief in our abilities fostered growth and propelled us toward this culminating achievement.
Photographs by Andy Lord, courtesy of University of Leeds.
While Sardines was undoubtedly a time of celebration and artistic triumph, it was also marked by a profound sense of melancholy. We mourned the absence of our dear friend and fellow artist, Issy Ineson, who tragically could not complete the show with us due to her untimely passing. A heartfelt tribute speech was given in her honor, and tears were shed as we remembered her vibrant spirit, her talent, and the indelible mark she left on our artistic community.
As the deinstallation process unfolds, I am filled with a mix of emotions – a sense of accomplishment for what we have achieved together, coupled with a bittersweet realization that this chapter has come to a close. However, I am comforted by the knowledge that Sardines has left an indelible mark on all who experienced it, sparking thought-provoking conversations and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of art.
Photographs by Barry Piper.
Finally, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to my number one supporters—my friends and family. Without you, none of this could have happened. You have stood by me through thick and thin, and having you celebrate this achievement with me means the world. Your unwavering support has been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for your presence in my life.
Thank you all once again for your unwavering support and participation in making Sardines a truly memorable and meaningful event. Your presence and engagement have not only affirmed our artistic endeavors but have also fostered a sense of community that will continue to nurture and inspire us as we embark on our new journeys.