I had the opportunity to participate in a group exhibition with my classmates, transforming one of our college’s gallery spaces into a vibrant showcase of contemporary collage. The walls were lined with framed works, each piece reflecting our individual styles and approaches while coming together as a unified collection. The collaborative energy of the exhibition was palpable, and it was inspiring to see how each artist interpreted the collage medium in their own unique way.

For my contribution, I created a series of collages that explored the interplay between femininity and form. My main piece blended images of women with sharp, angular edges, creating a dynamic tension between softness and structure. I wanted to capture both the strength and vulnerability present in these figures, using the collage technique to layer meaning and texture.

In addition to traditional paper collage, I experimented with acrylic panels to create a fashion-inspired series. Each panel was carefully composed, incorporating cut-outs and layered elements to evoke the feel of editorial spreads or avant-garde design boards. A distinctive feature of this series was the requirement to include a touch of pink riso print on every panel. I embraced this challenge by repurposing old riso prints I had saved from previous projects, integrating their vibrant hues and unique textures into the new works. The pink riso added a playful, cohesive thread throughout the collection, while the recycled materials gave the pieces a sense of history and sustainability.

While the original purpose behind the exhibition may have been a bit ambiguous, the process of creating and displaying these works was both challenging and rewarding. It was a chance to experiment, collaborate, and reflect on how found materials and unexpected prompts can spark new directions in my practice. The exhibition not only showcased our collective creativity but also highlighted the value of embracing the unknown in the artistic process.

My Collection exhibition featured a canvas depicting a woman with a deer’s head, bound and nude—a deliberate and unsettling image meant to confront how women are often viewed as trophies or prey. My piece draws on the symbolism of the deer, a motif with a long history in art and mythology, often representing vulnerability, objectification, and the complex interplay between power and victimhood. By merging the female form with the head of a hunted animal, I aimed to highlight the ways in which women are both desired and dominated, their bodies displayed as conquests rather than individuals.

Next to this canvas, I hung a large sheet featuring a man who has freshly killed a deer, holding its head triumphantly. However, in a reversal that echoes the main piece, the deer’s body is unmistakably female. This juxtaposition was intended to further emphasize the theme of women as hunted beings, their identities subsumed by the roles imposed upon them. The imagery invites viewers to question the societal narratives that equate femininity with something to be captured, displayed, or owned.

These works became foundational for my later clothing brand, which continues to explore themes of power, vulnerability, and the reclamation of identity. By confronting uncomfortable truths through bold, symbolic visuals, the exhibition opened up conversations about gender, objectification, and the ways in which art can challenge deeply rooted perceptions.

This Exhibition was based on a collection of tattoos I had compiled over summer- thus the name “Collection.”

My exhibition at Cass Art in Glasgow brought our collection of framed collages and acrylic panels into a vibrant, accessible setting in the heart of the city. The shop’s dedicated Art Space, known for supporting local artists and hosting diverse exhibitions, provided the perfect backdrop for our group show.

My own collages explored the interplay between femininity and sharp, dynamic forms, while my acrylic panels took on a fashion-inspired approach, each featuring a touch of pink riso print. I incorporated recycled riso prints from past projects, adding layers of texture and sustainability to the work. Exhibiting at Cass Art allowed our pieces to reach a broad and engaged audience, fostering new connections within Glasgow’s creative community and celebrating contemporary illustration in an open, welcoming environment