Fine art for all to see

A city centre hotel will be the venue for an exhibition as artwork by students at Plymouth University is set to go on display later this month.

From film pieces to mixed media installations, the ‘Emergence’ exhibition, presented and curated by second year fine arts students at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel and the Council House, draws inspiration from the work of Plymouth based British artist and former ceramics resident at the Victoria and Albert Museum Keith Harrison.

Regarded as one of the most prestigious student events on the University calendar, the work is marked on how it is presented as well as the quality of the final product. More than 40 students have submitted entries at this year’s event, as Steve Berry, Lecturer in Art and Media at Plymouth University, explains: "This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their hard work and efforts, and while it also presents a challenge as they open themselves up to public criticism, it gives them the pointers they need to fine tune their work and enhance their future employability prospects.”

The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, which dates back to 1865, will be filled with a mix of modern artwork, from a human-sized doll that will sit on a sofa, to a video piece playing alongside a choreographed hand dance. Each room and corridor will tell a different story, and the exterior of the historic building will also be dressed up with handmade bunting and flags.

Sophie Headdon, Fine Art and Art History student, and curator at the exhibition, said: "We have installations in both of these iconic buildings and we would love people to come and explore the talents of Plymouth’s young up and coming artists.”

The event is free to attend and opens to the public on Tuesday 19 May for seven days.