In review: BA (Hons) Photography Degree Show

Read a review of the BA (Hons) Photography Degree Show by Photographer and graduate, Andy March. Pictures of the work by Andy March.

Climb the white stone staircase to the top floor of the St. Georges building, in the heart of the NUA campus, and you’ll find the BA (Hons) Photography Degree Show. Diverse, dynamic and deserving of attention.

Great work needs a great space, and the top floor of St. Georges couldn’t be better. High ceilings, white wall, large scale windows and skylights that flood much of the space with natural light.

The first thing you’re struck by when entering the show space is the quality of the printing on display, the majority of which was produced in house using University facilities, and it is beautiful. Whether it’s large scale portraiture, an intimate documentary series, or botany on fabric, the high level of printing and attention to detail is tremendous.

The same can be said for the presentation and mounting of the work. The students and faculty staff have set a high bar with the presentation this year, a bar that they’ll only look to raise even higher next year! Large scale, edge to edge and frameless: the naming of the show ‘Beyond the Frame’ a perfect summation of the presentation on display.

Walking around the show, it’s hard not be impressed with the variety and diversity throughout. Food, flowers and flashing (you’ll know it when you see it). Personal favourites from the show (there were many!) include the delicate documentary work from Leah Allard, the pair of striking portraits from Matyas Paul, the ethereal fabric printed flowers from Ellen Folkard and the fantastical colour palette of 3D artist/photographer Eloise Shaw.

Everyone involved in creating and curating the BA (Hons) Photography Degree Show 2018 deserves a solid hi-five and a round of applause. I was very impressed with the personal and unique voices that are on display for everyone to see, along with the levels of creativity and professionalism in the shows presentation. The NUA Degree Show is always worth exploring; no matter if you’re in the industry or an amateur, and this year is without expection.