Story

Momentum - Exploring Creativity at CSM's Open Studio

Written byTimna Krenn
Published date 05 January 2024

**CSM Archway Open Studios, 2023, Central Saint Martins, Archway| Photograph: Timna Krenn**

Momentum - Exploring Creativity at CSM's Open Studio Event

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

It was an exceptionally cold evening for London. Therefore, queuing visitors like me were warmly asked to squeeze together in the entrance space so that no one would get cold. We all received a quick introduction about where to find each studio within the building on Elthorne Road. I found it quite amusing that the nibbles on the second floor were pointed out in such a succinct way. Who would really care about nibbles when presented with such an inspirational display of artwork and studio spaces? Perhaps I should have tried the nibbles, but as a visitor, I couldn't have cared less. Exploring these studios felt like being drawn into a big warm cloud of creativity that only releases you when you manage to detach yourself from the addictive energy these rooms and artists radiate. The sounds, colors, and atmosphere offer a beautiful ride, which guides you through the narrow passages where one artwork follows the next.

Entering the space on the ground floor, dedicated to the second-year Fine Art students, felt like being immersed in a vast and untamed cloud of art. Angular tones of a violin, paired with red and dark lights, emanated from a smaller room, separated only by a white curtain that occasionally offered a glimpse into one of the intense performances. At different times in the evening performances were given by various artists on all levels of the building.

The further I went, the more impressions were offered to me – vibrant, shimmering colors on the walls, carried by artists, captured my attention. Rooms were filled with various installations, including one corner with the imprint of a human body, an installation featuring a bicycle tire hanging from the ceiling, and an artwork by René Lazovy with captivating white and grey tones. One thing is evident here: when these studios are not filled with visitors, artists employ various techniques and approaches to create contemporary art.

The idea of the Open Studios, which take place once per term, is not only to open their doors to the public but also to promote community among different courses and cohorts. After making my way through the crowded elevator, I found myself on the first floor, the domain of the first-year students of Fine Art, where thankfully I met Emily Bottomer. The young artist began her studies at CSM last September and guided me through the studio spaces of her class.

We started our tour in Emily's studio space, adorned with a large-scale drawing in shiny silver on the wall. Meanwhile, her bright pink and rich blue creations were arranged on the floor, awaiting placement in a larger space. The young creative works with graphite in her drawings, reminiscent of Mark Rothko's works in their intensity and richness of colors. I am still thrilled by the depth of her work and the coloration that I could lose myself in. During the creation process of the paintings, which can have a production duration from several months, Emily explores themes related to labor and Catholicism.

Opposite Emily's studio space, you'll find the works of Yunyi Ye, where the Chinese artist explores different forms of speech. For Momentum, she performed in her studio space and presented works on paper, as well as pieces involving steel, wood, and rust.

From the insights I gained through Emily, I understand that many Fine Arts students, during the 2-year course at Central Saint Martins, have the opportunity to experiment with new materials, techniques, and disciplines. While some students had previously focused more on expressing their work with a two-dimensional visual language, they are now exploring sculptural work and installations.

Throughout this evening, Emily introduced me to Anjum Adukkath , who exhibited a three-part sculpture in which he processed the loss of his little sister. His work is inspired by the form of a creature that he crafted from metal, wood, acrylic pieces, modroc plaster, and stainless steel.

While chatting with Emily's classmates, the group was suddenly enriched by Stephanie Harlow, who introduced herself as one of the quirkiest students in this cohort. I observed Emily and the other young artists nodding their heads in agreement with Stephanie's self-description. In response to this situation, I found myself asking Stephanie questions to delve deeper into this intriguing characterization. To truly understand her uniqueness, you should definitely meet her in person and ask these questions yourself. Nonetheless, I was equally impressed by her installation 'Dottie,' a collage featuring black and white photographs displayed on one of the walls in her studio space.

In her work, Stephanie focuses on the stories of women who are often overlooked because their lives and contributions are frequently overshadowed by those of their male partners. Within the 'Dottie' exhibit, she specifically explores the life of Dorothy Dandridge.

During my tour, I became immersed in the diverse works showcased in these studios. I bid farewell to Emily, expressing that I was thoroughly overwhelmed by the fantastic impressions. As I attempted to find the exit, I unintentionally got lost once more – this time stumbling upon the artworks of the MA Arts & Science students on the second floor. Their work was equally captivating, and I am certain to return for the next open studio event, where I will begin with their exhibition on the second floor and work my way down.

Momentum - Exploring Creativity at CSM's Open Studio

Momentum - Exploring Creativity at CSM's Open Studio Event

Related Links:

Post-Grad Stories

UAL Post-Grad Community