The West Dean Summer Show 2018 'Angel Cake' showcases original work by emerging artists studying for their Graduate Diploma or Postgraduate MFA qualifications. The free exhibitions, held at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and then in London, display a diverse range of practices including sculpture, installation, print, painting, film, ceramics, and textiles.

As well as developing their own individual practices, the students take inspiration from the rich material held in the West Dean Collection and Edward James Archive, including artworks and correspondence by Leonora Carrington, René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, Leonor Fini and many others. The students are encouraged to engage with this material, finding ways in which it can be incorporated into their own ongoing work.

Students are also encouraged to use the College grounds and external sites for outdoor installations. This includes the sculptural work of Lester Korzilius, who is studying toward an MFA at West Dean College. His large-scale work Ascension, currently at the Minerva Theatre in Chichester, was partly inspired by Edward James' unrealised architectural plans. Lester will be showing new work at the West Dean Summer Shows.

Maud Boothby, who is working towards the Graduate Diploma, will exhibit a body of work that incorporates print and mixed media textiles, using a variety of techniques and fabrics to create contrasting and complementary forms, textures, and shapes. Her etching Elsa Schiaparelli makes reference to the cultural legacy of the college, which is home to the famous pink version of Salvador Dalí's Mae West Lips Sofa with the original upholstery designed by Schiaparelli.

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is renowned for its Visual Arts programmes, with graduates going on to exhibit internationally. The department's ethos of encouraging diverse interdisciplinary practice, together with its support of specialist subjects, attracts students interested in radical approaches to art and those with a strong emphasis on studio practice and making. Exceptionally large studios, excellent facilities, and an outstanding student/staff ratio ensure students are supported to challenge themselves and push the boundaries of contemporary fine art practice.

"West Dean College is a unique place to study art with its rich cultural history from which students can draw inspiration. This year's exhibition, Angel Cake, particularly demonstrates the students' unique approaches to their media and promises to be a really exciting showcase of brand new talent."

Dr. David Stent (Visual Arts Subject Leader, West Dean College of Arts & Conservation)

https://www.westdean.org.uk/events/summer-show-2018

To view the 2017 Student Summer show:

https://www.westdean.org.uk/study/school-of-arts/gallery

The West Dean show: at The Edward James Studios, from Saturday 30 June to Friday 6 July
(Preview - Friday 29 June, 4-9pm)

The London show: Espacio Gallery, London from Wednesday 25 July to Saturday 29 July
(Evening event - Thursday 26 July, 6-9pm)

West Dean: 30 June - 6 July

London: 25 - 29 July