University News Last updated 10 December 2009
Birmingham will be the only stop in the West Midlands conurbation for the Association of Illustrators (AOI) ‘Images 33' touring exhibition. Showing from 11 January to 4 February at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (part of Birmingham City University) the exhibition features the best British contemporary work and is the most prestigious and comprehensive event of its kind in the UK.
The AOI's annual ‘Images' competition recognises the best British work in several categories, including illustration for advertising, literature, children's books, new media, editorial and more. Following the awards in July 2009, the ‘Images 33' exhibition has been on tour in the UK since September and will carry on touring until September 2010.
Over 90 artworks and digital show reels will be on display, showcasing not just the winners, but the work of many talented illustrators who have made a significant contribution to their industry during the last year. The works have been selected by a panel of internationally acclaimed judges including Margaret Hope (Children's Art Director, Random House), Stuart Outhwaite (Art Director, Mother), Jason Ford (illustrator), Malcolm Garrett (Creative Director, AIG), Choi Liu (Art Buyer, M&C Saatchi), Gavin Morris (Designer, Faber & Faber) and Maggie Murphy (Art Director, Guardian Weekend Magazine).
‘Images 33' will be formally opened in Birmingham with an industry event featuring a talk by an illustrator with an international reputation (to be announced shortly). Open to the public from 10am to 6pm every weekday, the exhibition will take over the whole of BIAD's Gosta Green Campus for its duration.
BIAD itself is a significant centre for the study of illustration. Courses are offered at undergraduate and postgraduate levels through the School of Visual Communication, headed by Professor Mario Minichiello, a prominent illustrator who is himself featured on p70 of in this month's AOI magazine, Varoom. Alumni to have featured in previous ‘Images' exhibitions include Sarah Coleman ( inkymole.com ) and Jonathan Cusick ( jonathancusick.com ), both of whom graduated from BIAD with first class honours.
Professor Mario Minichiello said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Birmingham City University is hosting this prestigious event at BIAD. It underpins the contribution that the School of Visual Communication has made to the provision of illustration studies in the UK and further underlines its links to the art and design industry. This event is also of international significance, as it will be shared over the internet with our international partner colleges.
"We hope to be working with the AOI well into the future and I would like to thank all of the teaching team in Illustration who have worked so hard to ensure this event is successful. I would especially highlight the role of John Barrett, whose enthusiasm and reputation has brought this event to the School."
Running from 11 January - 4 February 2010 in Birmingham, ‘Images 33' will be an inspiring event for aspiring illustrators and the public alike and entry is free of charge. The annual ‘Images' exhibitions are also particularly valuable to creative industries professionals looking for new contacts. The ‘Images 33' directory, containing contact details for the featured illustrators will be on sale during the exhibition.
For further details, visit events calendar