Feature

Paving the Way for Flourishing Arts Careers: Spotlight on Loughborough University’s Fine Art Programme

17 Oct 2024

by ArtRabbit in Partnership with Loughborough University

How Loughborough University’s Fine Art programme nurtures creativity and critical thinking by exploring the inspiring work of its graduates, each carving out unique and innovative careers in the arts world.

In our newest edition of the series exploring innovative educational and incubation programmes that pave the way to flourishing arts careers, we’re diving into the vibrant Fine Art at Loughborough University. Celebrated for its cutting-edge approach to studio-based education, Loughborough has consistently ranked among the top in the UK and globally for art and design, making it a hub for nurturing creative talent.

But rather than simply list accolades, we’re introducing you to the real proof of Loughborough’s excellence—its graduates. These talented artists represent a diverse range of practices, from sculpture and photography to film and mixed media. Through their work, we can see how Loughborough’s approach to fine arts education is not only inspiring but also empowering the next generation of artists to make bold strides in their careers.

Inside Loughborough’s Fine Art

Loughborough’s Fine Art programme offers a dynamic, studio-based education that spans painting, sculpture, print, photography, and drawing. The university's dedication to fostering creativity and critical problem-solving equips graduates with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive arts market. With well-equipped studios and workshops, Loughborough offers a vibrant studio culture where students are encouraged to push boundaries and explore new ideas. Consistently topping league tables—1st in the UK for Fashion and Textiles (Guardian University Guide 2024), 3rd in the UK for Art and Design (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)—Loughborough is recognised as a leader in arts education both in the UK and internationally.

But enough about rankings. Let’s meet some of the brilliant artists who’ve walked these halls and are now making waves in the art and visual culture world.

Meet Loughborough’s Fine Art Graduates

Lily Rees

Lily Rees’ multimedia work explores the hidden structures that shape our daily lives—whether they be schedules, routines, or the architecture that surrounds us. Through painting and photography, Lily reimagines how these frameworks influence our experience of space. Her thought-provoking work earned her a prestigious ABF Breakthrough Artist Fellowship, where she’ll spend the next year developing her practice further.

Visit Lily’s Website / Instagram: @lilybillylily_

Alex Widdowson

Alex Widdowson is a multi-award-winning animated documentary filmmaker who is breaking ground in his field. His work centres around the ethics of animated documentaries, particularly in relation to neurodiversity. In addition to directing the Factual Animation Film Festival, Alex is working on a feature film about the Neurodiversity Movement, while balancing teaching and freelancing.

Visit Alex’s Vimeo / Instagram: @alex_widdowson

Teresa Budworth

Teresa Budworth’s large-scale charcoal drawings explore the alienation and awe inspired by brutalist architecture. Her work confronts the loss of collective history as these monumental structures crumble and examines the dangers posed by deserted urban spaces. Teresa’s exploration of gendered boundaries and psychogeography infuses her drawings with a sense of both history and urgency.

Visit Teresa’s Website / Instagram: @teresabudworth

Coral Shaw Jackson

Coral Shaw Jackson merges writing, photography, and printmaking to explore the bodily relationship with landscapes. Her recent work draws inspiration from Neolithic stone circles, aiming to reconnect modern audiences with ancient landscapes through performative art. Coral’s solo exhibition at Leicester Print Workshop was a testament to her ability to blend physical interaction with visual storytelling.

Visit Coral’s Website / Instagram: @coralshawjackson

Charlotte Miles

Charlotte Miles creates visual art rooted in the philosophy of Absurdism, inspired by Albert Camus. Her work juxtaposes violence and benign imagery to explore themes like loneliness and mortality. Charlotte’s playful yet dark approach challenges audiences to confront existential truths in a unique and disarming way, drawing humour from life’s deepest struggles.

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A post shared by Charlotte Miles (@cefmiles)

Visit Charlotte’s Website / Instagram: @cefmiles

Amina Pagliari

Amina Pagliari’s work explores the complex histories linking Britain and South Asia. Through 3D mixed media, including thread, beads, plaster, and wood, she examines the legacies of colonialism and seeks to decolonise Western art perspectives. Amina’s work has been exhibited internationally, and she was shortlisted for the Alpine Fellowship in Visual Arts for 2024.

Visit Amina’s Website / Instagram: @artbypagliari

Jo Flint

Jo Flint’s practice explores binary frameworks, particularly around gender, through photography, ceramics, and participatory exhibitions. Her goal is to prompt critical reflection and push societal conversations about gender beyond reductive categories, challenging traditional perceptions of identity and encouraging a more inclusive and fluid understanding of gender.

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A post shared by Jo Flint (@josflint_art)

Visit Jo’s Website / Instagram: @josflint_art

Luke Routledge

Luke Routledge creates life-sized, figurative sculptures set within speculative multiverses. By incorporating animatronics, Luke’s sculptures invite audience interaction, making his installations both immersive and intriguing. Each piece is part of a larger, interconnected narrative, drawing viewers into a world of speculative fiction brought to life in three dimensions.

Visit Luke’s Website / Instagram: @lukeroutledge

Visit Loughborough University’s Fine Art Department

Intrigued by the diverse work these artists are producing? Book an open day to visit Loughborough University’s Fine Art Department—an opportunity to explore their well-equipped studios and meet the people behind this top-ranked programme. For more information and to apply, visit their website here.

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