Michalina, who was born in Poland and lives in Silverstone, Northamptonshire, said: “In my final year I have been exploring the formal language of abstract sculpture, informed by an interest in nature and energy. This has led me to produce a series of abstract, organic forms.
“My process is hands-on and tactile, and I always feel a need to insert my presence into the work by physically combining and manipulating the pallet of chosen materials.”
Michalina, known to her friends as Mimi, hopes the award will be a springboard to further success as a professional artist.
The 22-year-old added: “I am beyond grateful for the recognition but would also like to say that the work of all 2016 students is of an incredible standard and I’m even more grateful to have spent three years creating art among so many wonderful and talented people.
“At university you’re with other artists and tutors who guide you and give you feedback, both positive and negative. But the negative ones in particular, which you think you wouldn’t want to get, actually help you to question what you are doing.
“Without questioning yourself, you stay in the same place. Winning this award has opened my eyes, and it is nice to feel like I’m making my way as an artist.”
Chris Owen, Head of the Cambridge School of Art at Anglia Ruskin (pictured above, with Michalina), said: “The standard of work by this year’s Fine Art students has been truly exceptional, but Mimi is a worthy winner of the Dr Supanee Gazeley Fine Art Prize. Mimi’s submitted pieces are fascinating, combining unusual optical effects with an interesting use of texture and colour.”
This year’s Degree Show features over 150 graduating BA (Hons) students from the fields of Computer Games, Fashion Design, Film & Television Production, Film, TV and Theatre Design, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Illustration and Animation, Interior Design, and Photography.
The Electric Eye Degree Show exhibition, which runs until Saturday, 18 June, is open to the general public and is free to attend. For information, visit http://cambridgeschoolofart.com/
The Fusion fashion show, featuring work from BA (Hons) and MA Fashion Design students, takes place at the Junction 2 this Thursday (16 June). The event begins at 7.30pm and tickets can be purchased from the Junction’s box office.
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For more press information please contact:
Jon Green on t: 01245 68 4717, e: jon.green@anglia.ac.uk
Jamie Forsyth on t: 01245 68 4716, e: jamie.forsyth@anglia.ac.uk
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