About the exhibition

The Art and Design Foundation Studies Postcard Exhibition for this year is entitled 'Connections'.

When we selected our theme for the year ahead we could not have predicted the significance of our chosen word and the relevance and resonance it would hold for us all this year.

In this challenging time, it has very much been about valuing and celebrating the connections between us. We are delighted to be able to present the range and quality of work produced by our students. Thank you all for your contributions to this year’s exhibition.

The responses exhibited here in our virtual gallery have been developed by our Foundation students and the Joshibi students from Japan as a result of their investigation and exploration of the theme 'connections'. These responses are the conclusions to their one-week project development and are supported by extensive visual explorations and sketch book work.

Students in each of our pathway specialisms of Visual Communication, 3D Design, Textiles & Fashion, and Fine Art have undertaken personal, meaningful and considered research related to Connections processes, making techniques, materials investigations and a broad range of meanings and contextual research sources.

A group of students collaborating in the exhibition space in 2020
Students from Loughborough and Joshibi collaborating in last years' exhibition

Generating diverse perspectives and broad interpretations of the theme they have followed their personal curiosity and interests using related words to explore and extend their thinking. From physical connections such as Joining, Linking, Constructing, Fitting, Weaving, Twisting to connections through Associations, Relationships, Influences, Networks, Contacts, Collections, Memory, Attachment, Heirlooms, Ancestry, Places, Sentiment, Time periods.

Through personal investigations many have explored the potential of diverse materials, made physical connections, considered personal connections to treasured artifacts, connections with people and the rest of the world and all have explored their chosen direction extensively through photography and drawing, research and mind-maps utilised to inform and expand their explorations.

In our continued collaboration and connection with Joshibi University in Japan their curation students have connected a Joshibi and a Loughborough image and shared their pairings, curation commentary and insights in their curation gallery.

Students taking part in a 'Wednesday Workshop' on Microsoft Teams
'Wednesday workshop'

With our usual Loughborough experience somewhat restricted this year we have shared creative connections and brought students and staff together with live links in our virtual workshop morning/evening where responses, development work, sketch books and ideas have been investigated, discussed and shared with groups and between individual students.

The additional opportunities and direct connections for international collaboration and sharing have been our unexpected ‘silver lining’ this year and given us an enhanced experience and creative ways to connect.

A Microsoft Teams session with students from Loughborough and Joshibi discussing their postcards
'Wednesday workshop'

This remote method of achieving personal input and supporting valuable individual student connections will be something we are sure we will wish to embed and extend in future visits.

We continue to support our chosen local charity Rainbows. In the past we have sold postcards from our Gallery Exhibition to raise funds for this very worthy cause. We are proud to be able to continue this connection which enables our students to creatively support the children and young people at Rainbows. We appreciate any donations that you may be able to offer by using the link below. Thank you.

We would like to thank the incredible team of knowledgeable, positive and tirelessly enthusiastic staff here on our Foundation programme for their continued support and good will which makes this project and exhibition possible. I, of course, extend these thanks to Linda Dennis and the students and staff at Joshibi university who make our continued collaboration such a rewarding experience.

Julie Wallace
Programme Director, Art & Design Foundation Studies
School of Design and Creative Arts

Rainbows hospice logo - supporting children and young people

Rainbows hospice for children and young people

We hope you enjoy your exhibition visit and in the absence of physical postcard sales might consider making a donation to our chosen local charity - the Rainbows hospice for children and young people. The Rainbows hospice is based in Loughborough and provides care and support to life-limited children and their families.

Donate now