Oskar’s photography selected for prestigious London exhibition
The Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor student’s work was selected for Origins Creatives 2024 from more than 500 submissions nationwide
Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor student Oskar Jones has been selected to show his photography at a prestigious London exhibition.
Oskar’s work will be on display this week at Origins Creatives 2024, hosted by UAL (University of the Arts London) at the Mall Galleries near Buckingham Palace.
His submission, College Days, is a photo book which uses experimental photography to communicate his peers’ individuality and freedom to express themselves within their new college environment.
It was selected from more than 500 submissions by UAL, the awarding body for Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s Level 3 Art and Design course.
Oskar has just completed his first year of the course at the Dolgellau campus, where he also studies AS Photography.
He said: “I'm super excited to have my work presented. I made a book of experimental portraits, with the goal of showcasing the range of people my age who are on their way to make something of themselves in this world.
“I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish, so having the opportunity to exhibit my work to this many people is so rewarding. It also helps with my confidence - if I can get this far with the skills I have now, then who knows what I can do in the future with years more of experience?”
Oskar praised his tutors at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor for nurturing his talent, saying: “I couldn't have done this project without everything I've learnt over the year.
“Doing this course has been one of the best decisions I've made, and I don't think I'd be as comfortable anywhere else.
“The support and resources the college has provided has been incredible. Not just for my college work, but also my own personal projects which have helped me develop skills I'll use for my career. The course has pushed me to experiment in mediums I'd never thought to pick up before.
“One of the best things is being able to talk to staff who are experienced in their specialties. Discussing work and getting feedback from them is so valuable. I've spent a lot of time in the darkroom this year, trying to understand the ins and outs of the medium. I want to explore further next year though, to see what I can achieve in a 3D space.”
Also on show at Origins Creatives are pictures of Coleg Llandrillo’s 2024 performing arts show, Chicago. The show was performed by Level 3 Performing & Production Arts students at Rhyl Little Theatre in May.
Performing Arts lecturer Jon Crowther said: “This year's final major project has by far been one of our most ambitious and successful. Chicago was met with enthusiasm by all involved - it was a sheer team effort by all to ensure that the production of this was successful.
“Audience feedback was very positive, commenting on near-professional level production value, something we aspire to for all of our projects. As a course team we are very proud of all the students’ energy and passion for this project and wish all of our leavers the very best of luck for their next steps.”
Origins Creatives is a free exhibition organised by the UAL Awarding Body. It offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts, critics and industry professionals to discover original talent and celebrate the dedication and hard work of young creatives from across the UK and internationally.
The exhibition highlights the exceptional work of students from centres across the UK, showcasing their talent across the UAL subject areas of Art and Design, Fashion Business and Retail, Creative Media, Music Performance and Production, and Performing Arts.
Exhibition curator Charlie Levine said: “The Mall Galleries is going to be a totally different feel to last year's exhibition in Shoreditch because of its location in central London, on the doorsteps of the National Gallery and Mayfair's commercial gallery scene.
“I am excited for the artists involved to see their work elevated to the level of their art neighbours, as well as being able to experience a creative centre in London when they visit the show.”
Origins Creatives launches with an invite-only opening night on 16 July (6pm). It will be open to the public from 17-20 July, alongside an online showcase.
Exhibition opening times for the public are as follows:
- Wednesday 17 July, 10am – 5pm
- Thursday 18 July, 10am – 5pm
- Friday 19 July, 10am – 5pm
- Saturday 20 July, 10am – 5pm
Are you passionate about art and design? Would you like to work in this field? To learn more about Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s courses in Art and Design and Photography, click here