New exhibition showcases University of Portsmouth student artwork

People are invited to explore a new exhibition showcasing artwork by postgraduate students at the University of Portsmouth.

Through diverse artistic forms, the CONNECT exhibition reimagines our sense of place and belonging, looking at themes of sustainability, architecture, craftsmanship, and the safety and comfort associated with home. It unveils the often-hidden threads that bind us together, interweaving themes of connection across locations, bodies, and communities.

Visitors can discover a rich variety of ideas and disciplines, including textiles, illustration, photography, fashion, sculpture, digital art, and collage - each piece highlighting the exceptional artistic talent the University’s Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries has to offer. 

The exhibition marks the culmination of the CONNECT programme, a collaborative project with the University that offers a week-long series of professional development workshops, training, and work experience. Designed to help postgraduate students find their place within the creative community of Portsmouth, the programme explores pathways into the creative sector while fostering a sense of belonging within the city. 

Yael Friedman, Faculty Director of Postgraduate Research at the University of Portsmouth, said: “The Aspex CONNECT programme provided a wonderful opportunity for our postgraduate students to engage with creative practices in ‘real live’ environments at the gallery, the cityscape and its communities. By the participants’ account it has been a stimulating and rewarding programme of activities, which resulted in this exciting and diverse exhibition. We cherish our collaboration with Aspex Portsmouth and look to grow and develop it in the future.” 

Joanne Bushnell, Director of Aspex Portsmouth, added: “It has been a joy to work with the postgraduate students over an intensive week. CONNECT enabled students studying diverse disciplines to come together. The programme sought to spark their imaginations while providing an opportunity to make new connections with their peers. For Aspex Portsmouth, it was a valuable opportunity to develop new connections with creative practitioners working in our City and reinforce our long-standing relationship with the University of Portsmouth.”

In addition to CONNECT, Aspex’s headline exhibition COLONY (The Platform Graduate Award 2024) showcases works by emerging contemporary artists, including two graduates from the University of Portsmouth’s BA Photography course. On display in the Main Gallery until January 2025, this thought-provoking exhibition shines a light on the complexities of contemporary coloniality, challenging our perceptions of both natural and societal colonies, and inviting visitors to reflect on the systems that shape our world today. 

CONNECT is on display in the Communal Space until 30 November 2024. 

COLONY is on display in the Gallery until 12 January 2025.