“I chose Brighton since I know the town for its amazing reputation for creativity. I thought studying here would be a great chance to learn and socialise with artistic people.”
Please tell us a bit about your dissertation work and your influences
My dissertation discusses how women are represented in cannibalistic cinema in the 21st Century. I focus on two films specifically, The Neon Demon directed by Nicholas Winding Refn and Raw directed by Julia Ducournau. In these films the topic of cannibalism is used to enhance the female characters sexuality and empowerment. Along my dissertation, I used academic sources to discuss the reason behind this continuous representation. My influences have always sprouted from seeing the representation of women in Film Noir, since it plays within a realm of controversial topics. A significant film that made me come to terms with the topic of my dissertation is the Spanish film The Platform directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia. This inspired me since it used the concept of cannibalism to highlight different societal issues, such as capitalism.
My influences have always sprouted from seeing the representation of women in Film Noir, since it plays within a realm of controversial topics. A significant film that made me come to terms with the topic of my dissertation is the Spanish film The Platform directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia.
What made you choose your course?
I have always been drawn to art, I did all creative subjects throughout secondary school and college, such as film studies and textiles. I then decided that I was way more interested in the analysis of art more than the creation of it. So that’s why I decided to study History of Art. I chose Brighton university since I know the town for its amazing reputation for creativity, I thought studying here would be a great chance to learn and socialise with artistic people.
Can you tell us about your favourite part of your studies and how it helped the development of you and your practice.
My favourite part about my studies was going to the Carolee Schneemann exhibition at the Barbican. We had the opportunity to see and discuss her work among us. This is when I took an interest in controversial art, I thought her artwork spoke quite well about the position of women in society and also enjoyed how raw her artwork was. This is when I realised I enjoyed art that made me think about difficult issues.
Can you tell us about any staff who particularly inspired you?
A staff member that particularly inspired me has been Eliza Tan. The few times that she’s been involved in our modules she has always constructed some interesting lectures that included a lot of controversial art performances. This inspired me to look at art that may be difficult to understand due to its extreme but also very interesting to analyse. I also enjoyed how she included artists from all backgrounds and it made us think about the culture and politics of the country within that time, from Japanese artists to Argentinian artists. This is one of the reason why I chose to include a French film in my dissertation, as I think is essential to look at one concept from the different sides of the world.
The Carolee Schneemann exhibition at the Barbican was when I took an interest in controversial art… This is when I realised I enjoyed art that made me think about difficult issues.
If you did a placement or work experience, can you tell us about it and any support you received?
I did a placement last year at Gladrags in Mouselcomb. Gladrags is a theatre costume design shop that revolves around making costume hire affordable for schools and theatre companies. Throughout my placement I learnt a lot about the real cost of the arts and how we can make it affordable so everyone can enjoy it. It was very interesting experiencing this hands on and arranging meetings with schools to sort out affordable prices. It definitely helped me see the arts in more of a ‘real world’ sense.
What does Brighton mean to you now?
After 3 years of study, Brighton has definitely grown on me. I see Brighton as a very creative inclusive town where you can express yourself and your art freely without being judged. Not only have I enjoyed my course and its perks but I’ve also had the chance to meet people that are also passionate about art, music and film. Even outside of university, Brighton has a lot of creative events going on to include yourself in that realm.
Can you tell us your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation is to go back to London with my family. After my dissertation my interest in film has elevated even more so I am hoping to find an apprenticeship that involves film within the next few months. In a few years I see myself in New York doing something related to film, but for now, I will be working in London.
Finally if you could give your 17 year old self any advice about going to university what would it be?
I would tell my 17 year old self to not be afraid of putting your opinion out there even if you’re not the most academically informed person. I believe now is important to voice your opinion, especially when it comes to history of art and the critiques. The vocalisation of it definitely helps come to terms with the aesthetic of art you enjoy and that helps you know for the future at what to look at within artists.
Find out about studying History of art and design degrees at Brighton.
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