Art Foundation students impress with Reviving Folktales art exhibition

Brighton MET College Art Foundation students recently explored storytelling and the rich folklore of the South Downs in an exhibition held at the Brighton Art Space.

The exhibit tasked students with reimagining folklore inspired by the Long Man of Wilmington and its surrounding area through storytelling and illustration for a contemporary audience.

The Long Man of Wilmington is a giant figure carved into the South Downs and depicts a tall human figure holding two staves or poles.

Through collaboration with the South Downs National Park Authority, the project received funding to allow the college to rent an exhibition space.

During the project, students were also able to collaborate with three local creative practitioners, each exploring similar themes in their work.

Kitty Taylor, one of the students who took part, said:
“I recently went to see Grayson Perry, and I saw his pottery, and I thought it was an interesting medium to explore, especially the way he uses clay to tell stories.

“I think it is nice prep work for doing live briefs, and being able to have the opportunity to display it in public is amazing. I couldn’t think of any other way I could have done this.

Violet Smith, another one of the students who took part, added:
“I struggled with it at first, as I’d never worked with watercolours before, it was a new medium for me, but I ended up really enjoying it.

“It was a new way for me to look at storytelling, which I enjoyed. I have never looked at folktales before.”

Kate Ducker, lecturer at Brighton MET and the main organiser of the exhibition, said:
“I wanted to give the students the experience of organising an exhibition as a form of work experience. It’s also a fun way for students to collaborate and celebrate all the hard work they’ve put in.

“I noticed a growing interest in folklore and folk art among my students. I saw it as an opportunity to explore themes of sustainability and respect for our local natural landscape.

“Working with an external local organisation like this provides an invaluable experience – they often commission illustrators for projects, helping students form connections with potential local employers.”