On Thursday 13th February, the Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA), in collaboration with The Fitzwilliam Museum, hosted an exclusive Museum Late event, offering a distinctive perspective on the Glenn Ligon: All Over the Place exhibition. Building on the resounding success of the CSVPA X Fitzwilliam Museum Late exhibition held the previous year, this sell-out event provided a platform for emerging artists, designers, and performers from CSVPA to offer insightful commentary and innovative responses to a curated selection of works from Ligon’s exhibition, as well as to the museum’s broader collection.
Renowned as one of the foremost contemporary artists of our time, Glenn Ligon is celebrated for his text-based paintings, which incorporate the powerful words of literary icons such as James Baldwin, Gertrude Stein, and Zora Neale Hurston. Through these compelling works, Ligon delves into the complex social, cultural, and political constructs of race, offering profound commentary on identity and society.
Produced by Adrian Shaw, the visionary behind the groundbreaking ‘Late’ model at Tate Britain, the Museum Late event was co-curated by CSVPA students, whose creative responses intricately intertwined with the narratives and stories embedded in Ligon’s work
Working with a diverse range of mediums, students showcased their interpretations through visual art, film and animation, fashion, performance, and music. This dynamic fusion of student ingenuity and artistic expression brought fresh layers of meaning to the exhibition, engaging over 700 visitors in a truly immersive and captivating experience.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Fitzwilliam Museum’s iconic marble staircase, models presented the final collections of our BA Fashion students and alumni. The showcase featured an array of techniques, from intricate embroidery to the innovative use of fabrics and materials. Each piece was meticulously chosen for its thoughtful resonance with the exhibition’s themes, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking dialogue between fashion, identity, culture and society.
Displayed alongside Ligon’s seminal works, BA Graphics & Illustration students presented their own innovative responses to his narratives. Visitors were afforded the opportunity to engage with Ligon’s original pieces while simultaneously exploring the unique interpretations crafted by our students.
Visitors were invited to engage directly with art created by our Foundation and Extended Diploma Art & Design students, becoming active participants in the creative process. Through thoughtful reflection and personal responses to their exhibition experience, they contributed to the creation of several large, collaborative pieces, fostering a dynamic and interactive dialogue between the artwork and the audience.
Providing a soundtrack to the event, CSVPA’s Music students curated and performed DJ sets featuring original tracks, collaborating with the renowned Cambridge-based DJ, Bosslady. In the same space, BA Graphics & Illustration students showcased dynamic animations, creating a captivating fusion of sound and visual art.
Adding another dimension to the event, guests were enthralled by performance art displays from our Drama and Musical Theatre students. These dynamic tableaux, inspired by the museum’s collection, Ligon’s artwork, and the visitors’ personal responses to the work on display, offered an evocative and immersive experience that brought the themes to life in a powerful and engaging manner.
Work from our Graduate School students was also prominently featured, showcasing a remarkable blend of interdisciplinary creativity. Through their innovative pieces, which spanned fashion, art and design, fashion communication, and visual communication, students delved deeply into the themes of Glenn Ligon’s work. Visitors were able to engage with these striking pieces, which reflected a sophisticated exploration of Ligon’s themes, bridging the gap between contemporary artistic expression and critical analysis.
Visitors were invited to experience a soundbath, set amidst the museum’s remarkable artefacts, offering a serene space for reflection. This unique experience allowed them to pause, engage with their own thoughts, and contemplate their personal responses to the works on display.
This exhibition provided students with a rare opportunity to display their work alongside eminent artists in one of Cambridge’s most renowned museums. In responding to Ligon’s work, they pushed their creative boundaries, honing their critical analysis and research skills, while engaging with pressing cultural issues. This invaluable experience not only strengthened their confidence as artists but also offered crucial exposure and public feedback, fostering further growth in their creative development.
Speaking on the Museum Late event, Karin Askham, CSVPA’s Rector, highlighted the pivotal role of art in confronting societal challenges, stating, “Art has the power to drive change, and through our collaboration with the Fitzwilliam Museum, we empower our students to pose thought-provoking questions and foster meaningful dialogue through their creative responses.”
Take the first step in becoming the artist you want to be and explore the creative courses available at CSVPA.
