Two graduates from London Metropolitan University are shaking up the art world with their fresh approach to gallery exhibitions.
Date: 14/08/2012
Two graduates from London Metropolitan University are shaking up the art world with their fresh approach to gallery exhibitions.
BA Digital Media graduates Keeley Wynn and Tony Andre run Guerilla Galleries, organising exhibitions that are open to everyone and reject the pretensions sometimes found in the scene.
“We’re just doing our own thing and making art accessible for everyone”, said Keeley, who studied in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. “I’ve been in some galleries and at times people are incredibly rude and the environment is not very welcoming. We aim to put on shows where people won’t be judged for not knowing certain things. They’re friendly galleries for everyone!”
The Guerilla project sees Keeley and Tony put on exhibitions that break conventions and bring new artistic experiences to the general public, such as theupcoming ‘Reveal’ exhibition which takes place this week.
Visitors to the two-day show, which opens on Thursday 16 August, will get to see not just new work from 15 exciting artists, including alumni from the Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design, but also the interior of London Met’s famous Graduate Centre, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind.
“This all builds on the positive feedback we received from our previous ‘Observations’ show”, added Keeley. “That has really encouraged us to carry on.”
It’s all very exciting for Keeley, who received a First Class degree from London Met, despite having her hands full with three young children!
“I used to work as a designer in the newspaper industry but left when I had children”, she said. “I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to get back into work without more qualifications, and London Met seemed like the perfect option.
“I learned so many things on the Digital Media course. I had always worked in one area of design, but I can now produce films and even make animations! My degree really has opened up so many opportunities.”
However, it’s not just the teaching at London Met which has helped Keeley and Tony succeed with Guerilla Galleries; the extra support the University provides for students has also played a role.
They started running Guerilla Galleries after joining Accelerator - the University’s business incubator – which gave the pair office space and support to run the project.
Tony said: “We wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of Accelerator and the other businesses based there. I’d particularly like to thank Matthew and Richard there for their support.
The fact that we are running a show of this size is testament to the level of support London Met students get before and after graduating.”
Reveal
Thursday 16 August, 11.00am – 8.00pm
Friday 17 August, 11.00am – 6.00pm
The Graduate Centre, London Metropolitan University, Holloway Road, N7 8DB.
Find out more about studying BA Digital Media at London Met.
Find out more about studying in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.
For more information about this news story, please email l.foddy@londonmet.ac.uk