Fine Art Painting
Andrea Webber
Angels in The Architecture
Andrea’s degree show is a poignant exploration of the history and legacy of the previous life of the building in which the current school of art and design is now housed. The historic building is a former convent, incorporating a laundry, reformatory school and orphanage on its premises, housing many, many women and children over the course of almost 150 years.
Having been reared in the same parish as the former convent, Andrea finds that the residents and purpose of the building have long been an enigma to her, such was the element of taboo around the subject until recent years and she would like to pay homage to past residents in her degree show.
This site- specific project uses an interdisciplinary approach incorporating elements such a archival documents and images alongside current traces of times past to convey her instinctive empathy with those who once resided there.
By bringing together remnants of the past and fragments of the present in such a unique way, the emotional depth and storytelling in Andreas pieces serve to connect the viewers on a deeper level, inviting them to explore and appreciate the complexities of human emotion and experience on an intimate level.
The immersive nature of this exhibition, with its sombre and introspective pieces is a testament to the power of art as a form of expression and communication. The weighty and contemplative atmosphere offers something for everyone to identify with and Andrea challenges the viewers to consider the ways in which art can serve as a vehicle for remembering and reconciling with the past.
“Keep your face always towards the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you”.
Walt Whitman