By Anne Frank
As the class of 2024 emerges from London’s prestigious art schools, a new generation of visionaries is poised to reshape the contemporary art landscape. Among the countless talented individuals showcasing their work in graduate exhibitions across the city, seven stand out as particularly promising, each with a unique voice and a compelling artistic vision that demands attention. In this article, we delve into the captivating world of these emerging artists, exploring their innovative practices, thought-provoking themes, and the immense potential they hold for the future of the art world.
- Olivia Nolan (Central Saint Martins)
Olivia Nolan’s multidisciplinary practice seamlessly blends sculpture, installation, and performance, creating immersive environments that challenge traditional notions of space and perception. Her graduate show, “Liminal Spaces,” invites viewers to navigate a labyrinthine series of interconnected rooms, each filled with enigmatic objects and haunting soundscapes. Nolan’s work explores the concept of liminality, the transitional state between one phase and another, and the psychological impact of these in-between spaces. With her deft manipulation of materials and her ability to create atmospheres that are both unsettling and alluring, Nolan is an artist to watch in the coming years. - Ethan Rajani (Royal College of Art)
Ethan Rajani’s large-scale paintings are a testament to his mastery of colour, form, and composition. Drawing inspiration from his British-Indian heritage, Rajani’s canvases burst with vibrant hues and intricate patterns that pay homage to the rich textile traditions of South Asia. Yet, beneath the surface beauty lies a deeper exploration of identity, displacement, and the complexities of cultural hybridity. Rajani’s graduate collection, “Threads of Memory,” is a stunning example of his ability to weave together personal narrative, historical reference, and contemporary social commentary, resulting in works that are both visually arresting and emotionally resonant. - Sophie Lund (Goldsmiths)
Sophie Lund’s photography and video installations offer a poignant commentary on the human condition in the age of digital media. Her graduate show, “Scrolling Through the Anthropocene,” presents a series of haunting images and looping video clips that critique the endless consumption and disposal of information in the digital age. Lund’s work is characterised by a keen eye for detail and a subtle, yet powerful, use of symbolism. Through her lens, the mundane becomes extraordinary, and the viewer is forced to confront the uncomfortable truths of our increasingly disconnected and disposable culture. - Marcus Okoro (Slade School of Fine Art)
Marcus Okoro’s sculptures are a masterclass in the art of repurposing and transforming everyday objects. Using discarded materials sourced from the streets of London, Okoro creates intricate, totemic structures that stand as powerful symbols of resilience, regeneration, and the human capacity for creativity in the face of adversity. His graduate show, “Urban Alchemy,” is a testament to his ability to find beauty and meaning in the most unlikely of places. Okoro’s work is not only visually striking but also deeply socially engaged, addressing issues of waste, consumerism, and the marginalisation of certain communities within the urban landscape. - Lila Sakai (Royal Academy Schools)
Lila Sakai’s immersive installations transport viewers into fantastical, dreamlike worlds that blur the boundaries between reality and fiction. Drawing on her background in theatre design and her Japanese heritage, Sakai creates intricate, large-scale environments that combine elements of traditional Japanese architecture, contemporary pop culture, and speculative fiction. Her graduate show, “NeonDream,” is a dazzling display of her ability to craft fully-realised, alternate realities that engage all the senses. Sakai’s work is not only a feast for the eyes but also a thought-provoking exploration of the power of imagination and the role of fantasy in shaping our understanding of the world. - Tariq Mahmoud (Chelsea College of Arts)
Tariq Mahmoud’s painting practice is characterised by a bold, gestural style and a fearless approach to colour and form. His large-scale canvases are alive with energy and movement, capturing the frenetic pace and sensory overload of contemporary urban life. Mahmoud’s graduate collection, “Metropolis,” is a powerful exploration of the city as a site of both alienation and connection, where the individual is both lost and found amidst the chaos. Through his expressive brushwork and daring compositions, Mahmoud captures the pulse of the city and the complex web of emotions that define the urban experience. - Emily Hughes (Camberwell College of Arts)
Emily Hughes’ textile-based practice is a celebration of the tactile, sensorial qualities of materials and the intimate, personal stories they hold. Her graduate show, “Woven Memories,” features a series of intricate, large-scale tapestries that combine traditional weaving techniques with contemporary digital printing and embroidery. Each piece tells a deeply personal story, drawing on Hughes’ own experiences and those of her family and friends. Through her work, Hughes explores the ways in which the act of making can be a form of storytelling, a means of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage, and a powerful tool for self-expression and healing.
As these seven promising graduates demonstrate, the future of the London art scene is in talented and capable hands. Their work, while diverse in medium and approach, is united by a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art practice and engaging with the most pressing issues of our time. From Olivia Nolan’s haunting explorations of liminal spaces to Tariq Mahmoud’s pulsating visions of the urban landscape, these artists are not afraid to take risks and challenge convention.
What sets these graduates apart is not only their technical skill and conceptual rigour but also their ability to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. Their work is not simply about making pretty pictures or clever statements; it is about creating experiences that resonate with viewers long after they have left the gallery. Whether through immersive installations, powerful symbolism, or deeply personal storytelling, these artists have the power to move us, to make us think, and to inspire us to see the world in new and unexpected ways.
As they embark on the next stage of their careers, these seven London art graduates are poised to make a significant impact on the contemporary art world. With their unique voices, fearless experimentation, and unwavering commitment to their craft, they are sure to be at the forefront of the next generation of artistic innovators. We can only wait with bated breath to see what they will create next, and how their work will continue to shape the cultural landscape of our time.
In a world that is increasingly complex, fractured, and uncertain, the role of the artist has never been more important. As these graduates have shown, art has the power to bridge divides, to heal wounds, and to offer new perspectives on even the most intractable of problems. By supporting and nurturing emerging talent, we not only ensure the future vitality of the art world but also contribute to the creation of a more empathetic, connected, and imaginative society.
So, as we celebrate the achievements of these seven remarkable London art graduates, let us also look forward with excitement and anticipation to the many more talented individuals who will follow in their footsteps. For in their hands lies the power to shape not only the future of art but also the future of our world.