Post-Grad Mixer: Life Drawing at the Serpentine with the Illustration Society

Our visit to the Serpentine Pavilion 2022, Black Chapel by Theaster Gates took place on an overcast day, but the possibility of wet weather didn’t put off UAL’s postgraduates, as an incredible 48 students and alumni joined us and the Illustration Society for an afternoon of life drawing, art and conversation.

The Pavillion made a fantastic backdrop for the first hour or so, then as the heavens opened, we ushered everyone inside and spent the rest of the session within the imposing but peaceful Black Chapel itself.

Some of the attendees were experienced illustrators, painters and photographers, others had decided to try something new – including our model! Post-Grad Community’s first daytime mixer of the 2022-23 academic year was also MA Costume Design for Performance graduate Zoe Youyin Wang’s first time life modelling, but she did a fantastic job finding poses that showed off her incredible creation, directed by the Illustration Society’s leaders.

Participants used a wide range of materials from charcoal and pencil to ink and iPad, creating pieces that showcased the sculptural quality of Zoe’s dress and contrasting colours. In-between sets of poses, we talked about art, creativity, studying at UAL and in London, and much more.

When the session came to an end, many people stayed behind to visit the Serpentine’s current exhibitions or keep the conversation going with their new friends!

Thank you to Zoe, the Illustration Society, the Serpentine and everyone who joined us, it was a wonderful afternoon and we’re looking forward to finding another venue to draw and talk in!