In the lead up to our 2025 MA Show, we’re celebrating the creativity and talent of our graduating masters students by sharing their stories and showcasing their incredible work. We spoke with Fine Art MA student Beth Gibbons about the course, their influences and advice to their younger self.
Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences
In my work, the boundaries between ‘art’, ‘design’, and ‘product’ are blurred by my desire to overturn the imposed forms of classification and distinction. By juxtaposing contemporary artworks, I forge connections and explore the multi-faceted application of fine art in a broader commercial and collaborative context.
My practice involves creating colourful 3D works, photographic prints, projection art, text art, and installation. Often making artworks in collaboration and in partnership as an extension of my working life to date, where for the past 20 years I have worked as the founding director of a successful creative PR consultancy.
What made you choose your course?
I was already an alumnus of University of Brighton, graduating in 1996 with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Textiles with Business Studies.
I had a meeting with the Fine Art course leader Amy Cunningham who informed me how open the Fine Art MA is at Brighton and so somewhat out of my comfort zone, I applied. It has honestly been the best course during this time of my life, it has made me think differently in more than one way, and challenge how I work as an artist.
Can you tell us about your favourite part of your studies and how it helped the development of you and your practice.
Consolidating practice (portfolio) and working towards our final show have been my favourite part. My art practice is often a personal narrative with a wider message and so for my final MA show I chose to exhibit in the Sallis Benney Theatre, a space that became important to me during my MA. Seeing the theatre closed to performance, I create a showstopper in 3D Printing titled THE SHOW MUST GO ON, an artwork that also relates to wider arts grant and budget cuts. The artwork has got me thinking how far this message can reach, and it is already receiving a strong response.
Can you tell us about any staff who particularly inspired you?
Great question as only recently a member of the Fine Art Tech team (Billy Smith-Morris) was helping me set up my final show, and I said to him how the staff really make the Uni what it is. Through my two-year MA, I have spent time working over an array of art & media departments across the School of Art & Media, including the Tech Hub (3D Printing & Laser Cutting), Photography, Film, and Fashion and the openness and willingness of the staff are at the heart of the University.
My course leader Amy (Cunningham) deserves huge credit – I am forever grateful for her encouragement when I was transferring my course.
Thanks also extends to; Tim Brown, Richard Clayton, Sean Dower, Ade Krumins, Tamar Jeffers McDonald, Billy Smith-Morris, Matt Page, Alexander James Pollard, Samuel Roberts, & Helen Stuart.
A truly wonderful team.
What does Brighton mean to you now?
I am Brighton born and bred (as was my late mother, and my late grandmother, with my great grandmother leaving London for Brighton during WW1), and so you could say Brighton is in my blood! Attending University of Brighton a second time around complete my MA 30 years after my BA felt profound (feeling part privilege and part pilgrimage!). There have been a lot of changes in the City during that time, while the Uni has kept its creativity, familiarity and a sense of home.
Can you tell us your plans after graduation?
Looking ahead – merging creative PR and my art practice, I will forge industry brand collaborations, stage the occasional gallery exhibit, and commence in art philanthropy where my work can make a positive impact, paying forward the creativity that has always saved me.
Finally, if you could give your younger self any advice about studying a masters, what would it be?
Write your own story. Follow your own path. Practice. And the rest will follow.
