Whitireia Visual Arts students only graduated in December but are already making names for themselves in the industry.
Nadine Smith and Tara Bradey completed their Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Arts) at Whitireia last year and have now been selected to be part of the Best in Show 2009 exhibition, in the prestigious Objectspace gallery, Auckland, from 24 January - 21 February.
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Nadine Smith. Pataka Installation 2008
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Best in Show 2009 is Objectspace's fifth annual exhibition in a series that showcases a handpicked selection of outstanding New Zealand craft and design graduates. Previous Best in Show 2009 exhibitors have moved on to win design awards and competitions.
The Whitireia Bachelor of Applied Arts finishes with a year-long investigation and development of ideas into a body of work. Students are encouraged to develop independent ideas in their own studio space on campus. A team of tutors give feedback on a regular basis throughout the process. This research-based study creates informed, independent and original ideas and work.
"The relatively small size of our art course makes this kind of individual approach possible and very attractive for those who like to make art alive," says Visual Arts tutor and acclaimed jeweller Peter Deckers. "We believe that we have created a unique situation for students who like to explore their talents with support, knowledge and experience of all of the art staff."
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Tara Brady. Break me Down Easy 2008
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Both graduates are from Wellington, and Smith in particular has already received much acclaim from the industry. Recently she was awarded the Dowse merit award and the Julie Auburn Award (from Pataka); she also featured on a Freeview program The Gravy, a high-end production featuring artists from around New Zealand.
Places are still open in the Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree. For more information call 0800 944 847.