‘LEARNING TO DANCE’ ~ University of Brighton BA [Hons] Photography

'The title learning to dance suggests a group of artists choosing to champion process itself, rather than any finished item. However, the aim here is not appropriate overly tired references, but rather to suggest that by giving purchase to the awkwardness and mistakes that come with learning, one can gain ownership over them.

Fundamentally this is a degree show, defining the perimeter between the institution and the world outside. It functions as a pause allowing us to gather and present our thoughts before moving on. The notion of an absence of an absolute suggests that if we have learnt anything during our time here, it is that we should enjoy poking fun at such ideas. How would, or should, one define success or value? For us to imply at this stage that we have answers to these questions feels preemptive and perhaps, a little naive. Therefore our show stands as our homage to the unfinished process of learning that we all intend to take with us as we leave.

It is as if our time here has been dedicated to learning to dance, whilst simultaneously discussing what dancing should even look like. The show at hand may therefore come to represent a strange wedding reception, or an experimental and awkward party. We collectively find enjoyment in this idea, dancing within our own ambit.'

Participants:

Elissa Diver, Sam A Harris, Liberty Fennell, Isobel Sanders, Olivia Poppy Coles, Florence Clark, Sean Gardiner, Joel Friskney - Adams, Jenna Banat, Dominique Percharde, Benjamin Thomas, Emily Rose, Michael Duggleby, Harry Mitchell, Raphael Bliss, Alex Catt and Erin Penlington.