Case Study: Grad Show ––

The end of year Graduate Exhibition is an important milestone in the career of a visual artist.

I remember the lead up to my undergraduate show –– a blur of nerves and anticipation as I installed the project that has consumed almost 12 months of my life (mental, emotional and physical). For most students, it is the first time artworks are shared with the public. With regards to art, it might be the first time one declares: this is me.

I have shared this landmark with students over the past few years, a decade or so after my own Honours graduate exhibition. Documenting this event is a big job, kinda like 25-30 individual solo exhibitions in one location, at one time. The window to capture everything is narrow and sticking to the run sheet is crucial especially when taking portraits.

The result of this shoot is a starter pack for each emerging artist –– a portfolio of images, a headshot and portrait with their work –– ready for a future opportunities. These images might be used on a new website or instagram profile, for a residency or exhibition application, support material for a grant proposal, or as part of the bio in an upcoming publication. In my own experience as an artist, having shots of recent work and a portrait or two on hand is key to securing the next big thing. It may sound daggy but this documentation is also a great time capsule, a record of an artist’s journey.

As the photographer, this interaction is an opportunity to meet the next generation of artists. To spend time with their work, see the new themes, ideas and perspectives emerging, and get to know the people behind the art. For me it is also the start of a longer conversation as I continue to document an artist’s work into the future, and in some cases the beginning of a creative relationship –– previous undergrads have featured in recent curatorial projects.

With the project wrapped up for another year, I look forward to meeting the next wave of artists to come through!