Press release
New Contemporaries accolade for Dundee creatives
Published on 16 March 2023
A dozen University of Dundee graduates will this weekend take their place among the country’s best young creative talent at a prestigious national exhibition.
The 11 artists and one architect who wowed visitors to last year’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design and Architecture Degree Show will compete for prizes with a total value of more than £20,000 at RSA New Contemporaries in Edinburgh. The exhibition opens on Saturday 18 March.
The Dundee contingent comprises Louise Black, Rachel Blackwell, Eva Margaret Brown, Iona Brown, Len Goetzee, Amy Harrison, Blair Leeson, Calum McFadyen, Elvey Stedman, Hooligan Sadikson, Ramsay Taylor and Emily Weaver. A further 45 graduates of Scotland’s other art colleges and architecture schools will also be exhibiting.
Professor Anita Taylor, Dean of Duncan of Jordanstone, said, “We are extremely proud to have 12 graduates included in the RSA New Contemporaries exhibition of the very best of emerging talents in art and architecture across Scotland.
“These graduates have experienced a particularly difficult time to be learning in the creative disciplines and yet they have each proven their innovation and resourcefulness in developing such imaginative and inspiring work.
“We could not be happier for these 12 immensely talented graduates on this milestone achievement of being selected to participate in the prestigious RSA New Contemporaries exhibition and we wish them all every success that this wonderful opportunity affords, now and into the future.”
RSA New Contemporaries reflects the Academy’s commitment to supporting and presenting the best contemporary work in Scotland. The RSA team works closely with the artists and architects towards developing a lasting relationship in the lead up to the exhibition and beyond.
The RSA team works closely with exhibitors to develop lasting relationships beyond the exhibition. With considerable monetary prizes in addition to residency, studio and purchase awards, it offers a 'first exhibition' opportunity for over 50 early-career artists and architects annually. Previous RSA New Contemporaries have gone on to achieve acclaim and recognition after the exhibition.
Exhibition Convenor Annie Cattrell RSA said, “This year’s exhibition will include imaginative and thought-provoking work that reflects the enormous creativity and resourcefulness of this student cohort, who experienced the full impact of the pandemic restrictions and uncertainty, most especially in their final year of study.
“It is particularly exciting to see the magnificent RSA galleries filled with the fruits of this diverse and emergent talent. Visitors can look forward to being surprised and moved by the eclectic methods and innovations used in the production of these meaningful artworks. The artworks are broad ranging in concept and making, these will include drawings, installations, film, paintings, performances, and sculptures.”
These recent graduates will have the opportunity to launch their careers at the RSA galleries by exhibiting a substantial body of work, including painting, sculpture, film making, photography, printmaking, architecture and installation. Works will be for sale and the exhibition offers patrons the opportunity to invest in Scotland’s up and coming talent.
The 2022 RSA New Contemporaries exhibition takes place at the Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound, Edinburgh, from 18 March to 16 April. More information is available on the RSA website.