University News Last updated 04 April 2014
An illustration exhibition has gone up at Birmingham City University this week, showcasing the work of students from a recent trip to New York.
The bustling streets of New York, the storied halls of the Empire State Building, the ‘fashionistas’ of Soho, the independent music and arts scene of Brooklyn and a yellow cab ride are some of the attractions captured by budding Illustration, Photography and Graphic Communication students from the University.
30 students were given the unique opportunity to record the ‘City That Never Sleeps’ through a variety of mediums using pens, pencils and lens based techniques; with the results being as varied and colourful as the ‘Big Apple’ itself.
Helen Wheeler, Lecturer in Visual Communication at Birmingham City University, said: “The students completely immersed themselves in the city’s life and culture. Armed with sketchbooks and camera’s they all recorded their own very personal experience, but all reflected the high energy of New York. They visited some of the best Museums of art and design in the world, but overall they absorbed the essence of this exciting city. A fantastic and rewarding student experience.”
Students on the trip were treated to a cultural feast which included visits to the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the American Folk Art Museum and the American Museum of Natural History. A poignant visit to the World Trade Centre Memorial allowed students to feel the true depths of the city; which all come out in the artwork on display at the University.
The ‘NYC Sketches’ exhibition will run until Friday 23 May, at Birmingham City University Parkside Building (Room 414), and will see a rotation of new work on display each week.