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Post-Grad Mixer: DIVA, at the V&A

Image of Judy Garland's red floor length dress
  • Written byPost-Grad Community
  • Published date 06 December 2023
Image of Judy Garland's red floor length dress
Post-Grad Mixer, Diva Exhibition 2023, V&A | Photograph: Post-Grad Community

DIVA, at the V&A

Rounding off an eventful 2023, postgraduates from across UAL were treated to an incredible evening at the DIVA exhibition, hosted at the V&A in London's South Kensington. Stepping into the dramatically lit galleries, star-filled stories were uncovered behind larger-than-life figures.

Double photo taken at the DIVA exhibition
Post-Grad Mixer, Diva Exhibition 2023, V&A | Photograph: Post-Grad Community
Images taken at the Diva exhibition
Post-Grad Mixer, Diva Exhibition 2023, V&A | Photograph: Post-Grad Community

As we moved through thematic spaces, stunning visuals and audio transported us on an immersive journey exploring and redefining the role of 'diva' and how this has been subverted or embraced over time as far back as the 16th century and across opera, stage, popular music, and film.

With Iconic pieces on display such as Cher's showgirl headdress and Judy Garland's ruby slippers sparked discussions on the intersection of fashion and persona. Photographs of the likes of Liza Minnelli and Diana Ross questioned the role of image crafting for performers living in the relentless public eye.

Images taken at the Diva exhibition
Post-Grad Mixer, Diva Exhibition 2023, V&A | Photograph: Post-Grad Community
Group shot of students outside of the diva exhibition
Post-Grad Mixer, Diva Exhibition 2023, V&A | Photograph: Post-Grad Community

The mixed-media displays covering modern day stars like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga illuminated their experimental approaches to spectacle, activism, and vulnerability. Postgraduates grappled with complex questions around modern celebrity and the diva's cultural power for change. Many felt genuinely inspired by the ways these women leveraged their platform and owned their identities.

Series of Beyonce headshots with orange background
Post-Grad Mixer, Diva Exhibition 2023, V&A | Photograph: Post-Grad Community

Throughout the evening, students from different disciplines connected over a shared fascination with the personal lives behind the stardom and gleaned insights on the humanity within the glamour and the struggles concealed by the dazzle.

Image of Diva icon from 1960s
Post-Grad Mixer, Diva Exhibition 2023, V&A | Photograph: Post-Grad Community

After our visit to the exhibition and an evening spent revelling in diva magic, the group continued at a nearby pub hidden amongst South Kensington’s more modest surrounding.

Image of Rhianna's silver dress from the Met Gala
Post-Grad Mixer, Diva Exhibition 2023, V&A | Photograph: Post-Grad Community

Without a doubt, DIVA's multi-dimensional showcase offered endless inspiration and food for thought that we'll continue unpacking in our own practices.

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