London College of Communication Postgraduate Showcase

Words and images by Timna Krenn, graduate in MA Performance: Theatre Making, Wimbledon College of Arts

As a student from Wimbledon College of Arts, like myself, cycling into busier areas within London, such as Southwark, where the London College of Communication is based, feels like a complete rhythm change. On the 6th of December, the second round of Postgraduate Shows commenced in the vibrant halls of LCC at Elephant and Castle. The large and bright windows in the entrance area of the college provide an initial glimpse from the outside into what awaits inside the building: a remarkable showcase of final research projects by emerging creatives, shedding light on the future of Design, Media, and Screen.

This year’s second show, running from 6-9 December 2023, offered insight into the intense learning, experimentation, and investigations of MA courses from LCC’s Design and Screen Schools. The wide array of projects addresses significant global challenges and imagines alternative realities through traditional and emerging approaches in their work. The Screen students developed compelling narratives that reflect life within communities through moving images.

I had the delightful opportunity to connect with Ayanfe Itunuoluwa and Alexander Ekholm, two postgraduate students enrolled in the MA Design for Art Direction programme.

Ayanfe Itunuoluwa has a background in design and explored themes of isolation, loneliness, and cultural shock in her final project from the perspective of a migrant. She is originally from Nigeria and delved into these relevant topics with a deeply personal approach, casting herself as the protagonist in her short film called 'Jàpá.' In this project, she focuses on the situations faced by herself and other immigrants upon moving to the UK. She also challenges the common perception that life becomes easy and perfect for someone moving from Nigeria to the UK, which, from Ayanfe’s perspective, is not true. As an important part of her research process the young designer also interviewed other migrants within her community in London.

Her colleague, Alexander Ekholm, studied in the same course and also focused on moving images for their final project. However, they tackled entirely different topics. With a background in production design, Alexander is keen on exploring the question of "What does it mean to be yourself?" The result of their research is a captivating two-part piece that engages in a meaningful dialogue. Both works delve into the exploration of how we, as human beings, can authentically express ourselves.

One outcome of their research is the book 'Artificial Botany,' which delves into how beauty ideals and norms constrain self-expression, highlighting the presence of beauty standards in artificial intelligence. The second part of their project is the film 'Le bal,' a captivating collaboration filmed in a warehouse at Hackney Wick. Alexander emphasizes collaboration and social equality as essential aspects of their creative practice. The participation of 28 individuals in Alexander’s film demanded additional organizational efforts but, from the young art director’s perspective, collaborations stand as an enrichment. They provide a platform to elevate visions and ideas, turning the creative process into a source of inspiration for everyone involved. In 'Le Bal,' the French word for the ball, Alexander contemplates society as a cage in which we strive to be free but are not allowed true freedom. With this piece, they further explore how gender norms impact self-expression and act as restrictions.

Related Links:

• Post-Grad Community
• Post-Grad Community Instagram
• Afanye Itunuoluwa Instagram
• Alexander Ekholm Instagram
• Timna Krenn's Instagram

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