| Rachel Eite went along to the recent MA show to check out some quality artwork |
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Owen Baxter from 'Sonic Machines' The M.A. Expo at Nottingham Trent University brings us an illuminating snapshot of the future of art and design. Pushing the boundaries of a wide variety of disciplines; from textiles, product design and graphics, to photography and fine art, the work here not only highlights the breadth of talent, broad cultural influences and global conscience amongst the students but epitomises the forward thinking nature of the university. There is a distinct sense of optimism and an overall encouragement to interact and participate, not only with the work but with our future. Owen Baxter’s engaging display in the Bonington gallery showcases his ‘Sonic Machines’. Taking sounds from unconventional and apparently unmusical sources, for example the washing machine or the ‘click’ of a metronome, he builds virtual instruments able to create surprisingly complex experimental music. Footage plays here (and on the large screen in room 002), of ‘Metronome’, his hauntingly complex and hypnotic performance. At the same time, on an interactive screen, we can not only explore the work and research behind this and his other creations, but are given the chance to compose our own music from a variety of sampled sounds. This element of fun and playability, introduces us to the musical diversity of the least assuming of objects. He invites us to the idea of pushing beyond restrictions; by exploring limitations and opening up new possibilities. An exciting and comprehensive display of the work of Michèle Danjoux, (M.A. Fashion and Textiles), gives us performance, animation, video and music, coupled with revolutionary fashion design. The use of new technology combines with more traditional methods to create highly sophisticated, yet aesthetically stunning performance wear. Sensors, transmitters and ‘intelligent fabric’ are among the technology used to create the garments. The clothing has the ability not only to react to a performer’s emotion and environment, but to enable a performer to control that environment; the sensory experience of wearing and the performance itself can evolve in fascinating new directions. These being just two examples from an exciting and diverse range of work; the M.A. show proves contemporary art and design to be a powerful force to take us into the future. The Postgraduate MA expo was on display 12 until 19 July at Bonington gallery and other sites around the city
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