the faux degree show - revised 

Images by Paola Bernardelli

I was awarded the CCA Graduate Award 2021. This is my first ‘mini’ solo project as a graduate and I exhibited a revised version of my degree show that was titled, ‘the faux degree show’.

The installation I created in the CCA project space is a bedroom scene, that is reflective of my time spent in my bedroom making art. During the last year, because of the pandemic, I completed my final year of my BA Fine Art at home. Meaning, my bedroom became a sanctuary for my art and a makeshift studio. In a way, this exhibition is a celebration of a new chapter in life and a way for me to honour the sacred space that is - the bedroom. I wanted the space to feel disjointed and as if the art was unfolding - capturing a moment in time of pure creation and art making. 

I added new elements to the piece, such as creating another wall / window, the tiled floor and my childhood relic the bang on the door baby teddy. The project space allows viewers to not enter physically into the space but to peer through the window; meaning I had control over the audience’s gaze because of the limitations of view. Although it is hard to capture the exhibition through the window, I enjoy how this space allows for ‘accidental viewers’ who pass by this space and stumble upon my art / bedroom. I am extremely grateful and would like to thank Catherine Hemelryk, the CCA director, for the mentoring, wisdom and opportunity to show in this unique space. 

10–12 2021 Artillery Street, Derry, BT48 6RG