The second image chosen for The Canvas, Swansea College of Art UWTSD’s new 8m x 3m public art initiative outside Dynevor in the city centre, is by recent BA Hons Fine Art graduate Tomos Sparnon.
[aoa id=”1″]Study of a seated figure 1 and Seated clay figures combines two aspects of work produced for Tomos’ degree show – a painting and two sculptures. The painting is an exploration of a seated figure in a space, made in an attempt to understand, register and capture the essence of a figure – its presence, experience and materiality. Made over a period of daily sittings, the work bares traces of conversations, memories, feelings and struggles. The work also explores the conflict between representation and abstraction. In contrast, the sculptures question the notion of the human body as a material – its mortality, fragility and vulnerability and suggest an ongoing conversation.[/aoa]
Tomos said:
“I’m really pleased to have my work selected and delighted with how the pieces have been translated to work on such a large scale. The works stem from my captivation with the human figure. In the past, I have concentrated on the male figure, as I felt I could relate to and express myself through it more fully. However, my attention has recently turned to the female figure, in part as a response to the way women are portrayed and treated within our current climate, and to express ideas about conversation, memory and feeling.”
Dean of Faculty, Professor Ian Walsh said:
“The Canvas is a platform to showcase the skill and imagination of our students and graduates in such a prominent city centre location. Tomos was a standout student that graduated with First Class Honours in summer 2018. We’re delighted to show his work as our second Canvas installation. He is already exhibiting widely and will now undertake an artist residency with us at Swansea College of Art, through Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. We’re sure he’ll go on to have a successful career as an artist and creative professional.”
A new Canvas commission on Swansea’s De-La-Beche Street, will be installed every term that will both challenge and inspire audiences. The next Canvas will be unveiled in December 2018.
Swansea College of Art, has been ranked 16th overall out of all UK universities for ‘art and design’ courses in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.
Swansea College of Art secured a total score of 92.9 out of 100 in a range of areas which include ‘student satisfaction with teaching quality’ and ‘student experience’ as well as ‘graduate prospects’, ‘research quality’ and ‘entry points’. This score saw Art and Design’ climb 19 places from last year.
Professor Walsh said:
“UWTSD Swansea College of Art is committed to maintaining a strong focus on delivering the very best experience for our students. All our staff are passionate about teaching and providing a supportive studio based experience to all students across our art, design and media courses. We are delighted that this has been recognised by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.”
