Ready, Steady ... Bid!

As I stepped from the lift onto the fourth floor, I received a very warm welcome from many happy art students who were hustling and bustling about, preparing lots for the Fine Art Auction.

Before me was an array of warm colours and patterns. Bodies stood at a distance and stared with deep concentration, trying to find some hidden meaning behind each piece.

I grabbed a free glass of red (win!) and wandered over to join some people who looked knowledgeable. I got talking to Abid Hussain, who graduated from DMU in 2012 and has been coming here every year since. He said “some of this work is fantastic and the stuff you buy here will be worth something one day. It's great chance to purchase a piece of fresh original work.”

 With that I took my seat. I’m not renowned for artistic knowledge but even I was able to admire the work on show. One artist, Kia Kennedy did particularly well; most of her pieces sold for over £20 and one went for £80.

There were 106 lots in total and every one of them sold. Prices averaged at about £25 and even I was able to grab a little something without spending too much. This was my first time attending the event, but with free wine, and a formal yet comfortable atmosphere, it’s one I will surely visit again.

 
Artist for both works: Julian Pinnick

 
Mary Roberts.

Fine art for sale!

Every year De Montfort University holds a fine art auction. This is an exciting opportunity to purchase some fine pieces of art work from current students and recent graduates.

Previous years have showcased work in a huge range of different mediums including digital print, oils on foamboard and even acrylic and LED light boxes.

 

Artist: Catherine Keen. Piece: Residue, 2012

With such a delicious and peculiar mix of varied materials, I for one will not be missing out on a chance to be the first to purchase some spectacular works in this year’s auction. Taking place on Monday 26^th February from 6:30pm this year’s work will be shown in the brand-new Vijay Patel building, room 4.05 and the Fletcher Suite.    

Not only is admission free but, as a glorious bonus, all funds raised will go to the student Degree Show catalogue fund. Win Win! See you there!


Mary Roberts

Embracing art

The Fine Art Auction at Cultural Exchanges promises an array of artwork to grab your attention, some by current students and some by recent DMU graduates. 

 The students have worked day and night to prepare for this auction and all the money raised will be donated to the student Degree Show Catalogue Fund. This allows the students to reach their full potentials in future shows.

So come along to our all-new Vijay Patel Building at 6pm on 28th February. Marvel at the artists' creations and bid, bid, bid!

You can keep up to date with what our artists have been up to by clicking here!

The world of Fine Art is so varied that you are sure to find something that sparks your interest.

Come along, embrace your inner connoisseur, and support the artists of the future.

 
Kaitlan Baker-Smith

Arty goodness, with free champagne

Well, you know it’s been a good auction when there’s a bit of a bidding war…

I honestly thought that the gavel was going to get whiplash, what with the amount of offers going on.

There are a lot of fantastic artists at DMU (including my sister and her arty comrades), and I am super proud to have gone, to raise money for their degree show.

I even managed to get some arty goodness to brighten up my halls!

And one of the best parts was the complimentary champagne. You definitely can’t go wrong with free champagne.

My sister and her arty pals.

 Jenni Brooks

and ... Sold! To the lady in the van Gogh leggings

So the Fine Art auction is coming (on Monday evening) and it's going to be swell.

I'm very excited because my sister is part of it. She's a 3rd-year Fine Art student and I know for a fact that she and her arty comrades do FABULOUS arty stuff.

The  auction will be in the presence of ... wait for it ... Christian Furr. Christian is the youngest ever official portraitist of the Queen and he's also a DMU alumnus.

So book your place for Monday, 29th February, before you're too late.


Jenni Brooks

Art by numbers - the art auction preview

Item 92, you have psychedelic shades of green. Do you represent the curves of a woman or the creation of life? Precise shapes flow effortlessly on the canvas.

Item 35, it's so impressive how you fit a redheaded woman in a cardboard box - and more impressive that her nudity is displayed with an air of grace. Much more classy than the painting of the man’s chode.

Item 72, you are exceptionally hypnotic, creating shapes from tricks of the eye. I would have put a bid on you if I had a penny to spare. Your glass mould with intricate patterns is the definition of working man’s art, whatever that means.

Item 73, I thought you were the bee’s knees. The perfect example of abstract art. A reflection of life’s duality and imperfections. How disappointed I was to realise that part of you was accidentally created through a shining light.

Item 106, are you the script of a person’s mind? A woman’s mind perhaps? You are entirely nonsensical and I find you intriguing to examine.

I never thought I would be able to appreciate art in any way. Now I hope there will be another art auction preview at next year’s Cultural eXchanges.

John Marr