London College of Communication Postgraduate Work in Progress Exhibition 2025
- Written byAndrea Gutierrez
- Published date 14 March 2025
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Post-Grad Community Ambassador Andrea Gutierrez (MA Design for Art Direction, London College of Communication) recently took part in her College's inaugural Postgraduate Work in Progress Exhibition.
On Wednesday 5 March, 2025, London College of Communication saw the inauguration of the Work in Progress Exhibition for the postgraduate programs. Students had the opportunity to showcase the work they have been producing as part of their Collaborative Unit. This was a week celebrating creativity, possibilities and prompting questions for the future.
Here, we spotlight some of the student projects.
I began my exploration through the MA Design for Social Innovation and Sustainable Futures exhibition. I saw myself surrounded by proposals of how we coexist with the nature that surrounds us and how we can build those connections.
We often miss the opportunity to just exist, to just contemplate and to regain conscience of the nonhuman lives that accompany us. By contemplating the work of the current cohort, I felt hopeful that there is an opportunity for a more conscious life to be part of our artistic practices.
During the day, students facilitated different workshops to demonstrate their work, including Clawsome Adventure, led by Zirun Xu, a board game where the aim is to get crabs to a sustainable habitat. As part of their research, students visited the Crab Museum in Margate.
Another way of connecting these interesting proposals was through weaving. The Fabric of Us by Ahsan Sajjad, an interactive installation encouraged attendees to use fabric while setting an intention for the future they hope for. An introspective work that allows us to stop and consider if the present we live in is building the future we strive for.
The MA Design for Data Visualisation (MADDV) cohort showcased an interesting and innovative approach to gathering different types of data according to a topic of interest. Yuck or Yum was an exploration of a variety of typical foods from different countries, which all students got to try and review according to two different parameters: yuck or yum? With visual support of people reacting to the food they were testing, it revealed how information can be gathered, stored, and studied beyond the numeric aspect of it. For artistic practices, I believe this to be quite resourceful to understand our mediums and research enigmas.
Next, I was taken on a galactic journey. MADDV student Obina Iwuji took in the task to map his classmates; birthdays in celestial neighbourhoods and stars according to their zodiac sign. Through a 360° VR experience, guests were allowed to explore constellations and adventure into finding their own star. A proposal that might help the students further their research in Antarctica, they mentioned.
Continuing my walk around the upper gallery, I stumbled across the MA User Experience Design work. A proposal for those who have moved abroad and want their new space to carry what made their home so special.
"Invisible Threads captures the evolving culture of a social space, people can contribute artefacts and shared experiences, making the space a living archive of human connection” their project read.
This innovative and customisable furniture encourages users to re-signify the spaces they inhabit and share and promote a more meaningful connection with our community by identifying the objects most important to us.
Although the exhibition began with the MA Design for Art Direction’s cohort work, this was my last stop. As a student of this program, my intention was to first get to know what my peers are doing in their respective courses. A key aspect of being an Art Director is collaboration and appreciating different creative processes.
We presented our work from the Critical Perspectives and Research Methods unit, in which we researched, created and curated a zine based on a subject that interests us in our personal practices.
To dive into this deeper, I had a conversation with my classmate and good friend Gabriela Silva, whose project, An Artist’s Guide to Rediscovering Colour, is as personal as it is inspirational for anyone who is having doubts about their practice and how to navigate through new mediums, which served as a reconciliation with colour for her.
This guide explores the evolving relationship with colour in artistic practice, particularly transitioning from Performing Arts to Art Direction. Initially, colour was secondary to the body in performance, often restricted in training spaces but later introduced in costumes, scenery, and lighting. This created an association between neutral tones and professionalism, reinforcing a minimalist aesthetic.
However, moving into design and visual arts challenged this perception. The work of theorists like Albers and Birren highlights how colour interacts and influences perception.
The shift to art direction revealed that minimalism does not equate to a lack of colour, but rather to intentional choices that shape meaning.
Colour is deeply tied to cultural, social, and psychological contexts, influencing emotions, behaviours, and even branding. It is not an absolute truth but a tool for artistic expression and communication. Exploring colour theory, historical influences, and artistic movements demonstrates its significance across disciplines.
The journey of understanding colour is ongoing. By detaching from preconceived notions and engaging in critical reflection, artists can deepen their practice and develop more purposeful visual narratives
The Work in Progress Exhibition was an inspiring showcase demonstrating the possibilities of design, art and the future of how we create. Although these ideas are still progressing, they have set a fascinating foundation for all that can be produced at London College of Communication.
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