Commissions
The Upside Down 2021 Degree Show, MIMA School of Art & Design
8th July 2021
We were approached by MIMA School of Art & Design to curate and produce their 2021 (digital) Degree Show, for which we developed The Upside Down. This online event celebrated the exceptional work of 96 students spanning the creative disciplines of Fine Art, Fashion, Interiors, Product Design and Graphics & Illustration, all created against the backdrop of one of the most challenging and disruptive periods in our living memory.
The Upside Down reflects the discombobulating and tumultuous life we’ve all been living over the last 18 months, the broader socio-political, environmental and economic times we are entering and, most importantly of all, focuses on the ideas and aesthetics of a new generation of creative minds that will mesh and forge the ideas of the future.
The launch event took place on a virtual platform called Gather.Town. Opening with a talk from Dean of the School and Director of MIMA Laura Sillars, a series of subject panels then took place where students discussed their work with subject tutors. As well as the unveiling of the 2021 degree show website, there were then opportunities for graduating students to meet and mingle with staff members. This was followed by a talk from guest speaker, Klasien Van De Zandschulp, a Dutch-based interactive artist, designer and one-half of the team behind Good Neighbours which was part of the YM2020 festival. Klasien is also the creator of ‘distance disco’ which was the after-party venue for The Upside Down launch.
“Leave the door open for the unknown, the door into the dark. That’s where the important things come from, where you yourself came from, and where you will go”
- Rebecca Solnit
A Field Guide to Getting Lost
Commissioned by
Teesside University has been actively engaged in creative education for over 50 years with a special focus on the connection between art and industry. At the heart of this learning community is the nationally respected gallery MIMA, a cultural hub and creative resource. From climate change to social inequality, healthcare to housing, artists, fashion, interiors, graphics and product designers apply their skills to address critical issues of our time.
