{"id":3606,"date":"2023-08-10T11:42:22","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T11:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/wearewestminster\/?p=3606"},"modified":"2023-10-24T15:40:36","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T15:40:36","slug":"my-westminster-degree-show-photography-ba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/wearewestminster\/my-westminster-degree-show-photography-ba\/","title":{"rendered":"My Westminster Degree Show \u2013 Photography BA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Please Note \u2013 The following blog contains work that covers themes of nudity, reader discretion is advised.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Westminster\u2019s annual degree shows are a celebration and showcase of our creative students\u2019 talents and hard work. The student work is a culmination of the skills and creative practices developed during their studies. The degree shows are highly anticipated amongst students, staff and industry guests every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Photography BA has an excellent international reputation for its academic and practical teaching. The course allows students to develop their creative production skills across a range of photographic and lens-based media, to establish a critically engaged self-reflective creative practice. The success of the course is evident in the distinguished record of graduate employment in the industries it serves and in the publication, production and teaching profile of its staff and graduates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year we spoke with Alexandros Charovas, a third-year Photography BA student. Ahead of the exhibition, he told us about his project on gender identity, preparations for the show and aspirations for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
  1. What are you most excited about for the degree shows?<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    I am most excited about the opportunity to showcase my artwork and share my creative vision with a large and diverse audience. It is a climax of years of hard work, dedication, and artistic exploration, and I am thrilled to see my efforts come to maturity. The degree shows provide a platform for me to present my ideas and engage with fellow artists, peers, academics and the general public, allowing for valuable feedback and discussions. I am particularly looking forward to the vibrant atmosphere of the event, the exchange of ideas and the chance to connect with individuals who share a passion for art and photography. Overall, the degree shows represent a significant milestone in my artistic journey and I am eager to see how my work resonates with others and sparks meaningful conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    2. Tell us more about the activities you are involved in to help organise and prepare for your degree show<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I have been actively involved in various activities to ensure the successful organisation and presentation of our degree show. Working closely with my course leader and fellow students, we have taken on several responsibilities to cover different aspects of the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We have contributed to the development of the visual identity for the degree show, including the design of logos, colour schemes, and overall branding. This involved brainstorming sessions and collaboration with graphic designers. We used the visual identity to help design promotional materials for the event such as the exhibition catalogue and invitations. Additionally, we have all been involved in promoting the event on social media platforms, engaging with potential visitors and sharing information about the show and the participating artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I have also participated in the budget and project management of the event, coordinating with the venue, Truman Brewers in Shoreditch, to ensure our artworks are installed and displayed correctly. We measured the exhibition space, created floor plans, and discussed technical requirements with the venue staff. We also arranged the transportation of all the student artwork to the venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As a group, we have had curatorial discussions and made decisions regarding the arrangement and display of artworks within the exhibition space. This involves considering the overall aesthetic and thematic connections between different works, and creating an engaging visual experience for visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    3. How has your course prepared you for your final project?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Throughout my Photography BA course at Westminster, I have been equipped with a diverse range of skills, knowledge, and critical thinking abilities that have significantly prepared me for my final project. The course curriculum provided a comprehensive understanding of various photographic techniques, conceptual frameworks, and historical contexts. From the very beginning, I engaged in hands-on learning experiences, such as practical workshops and studio sessions, which allowed me to experiment with different photographic processes and develop technical proficiency. These practical skills, combined with theoretical discussions and critiques, helped me refine my artistic vision and conceptual thinking. The course also offered modules focused on contemporary art practices, visual storytelling, and the exploration of themes and narratives in photography. These modules provided me with a deeper understanding of the creative process, the importance of research and experimentation, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively through visual language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally, the guidance and mentorship from experienced academics in our department played a crucial role in shaping my project. They provided constructive feedback, challenged my ideas, and encouraged me to push the boundaries of my creative practice. Through regular tutorials and group discussions, I received valuable input that helped me refine my concept, strengthen my technical skills, and develop a coherent body of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    4. Tell us more about your final project<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My project Liberated Masculinity<\/em> challenges traditional representations of masculinity through a series of gender-fluid portraits. In a society where gender roles and norms are evolving rapidly, this project aims to celebrate individual expression and diversity, while creating critical discussions about the performance of culture and gender.  Liberated Masculinity<\/em> takes a critical approach to photography, examining how photography has shaped the cultural performance of masculinity and the various narratives that have been associated with it. Through a fusion of early photographic techniques and contemporary digital photography, the project creates a dialogue between old tropes and new norms. It seeks to encourage critical discussions about gender and challenge problematic expressions that have perpetuated toxic masculinity and prevented men from fully expressing their emotions, desires, and sexual preferences. Ultimately, Liberated Masculinity<\/em> aims to create a space for multi-layered humanity and encourage openness, acceptance, and consideration for one’s physical and emotional satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n