On the occasion of the Design & Digital Arts (D&DA) building launch in November 2024, Bonington Gallery is delighted to have partnered with Nottingham School of Art & Design to develop and present two specially commissioned art installations by design practice Foxall Studio and artist Matt Woodham – both working at the forefront of their respective fields and industries, and both past exhibitors at Bonington Gallery.
Whilst distinct in approach, each commission considers the technological potential within the D&DA building; the generosity it awards to different forms of creative practice; and the dynamic collaborative ethos that drives the student and staff community. This community has been central to the realisation of both commissions, actively involved in the production of digital material that will be visible across the building and in learning from professional practitioners, recognising the endless possibilities of collaboration and engaging with new equipment & methodologies.
Taking the approach of a ‘hack-day’, Foxall Studio ran three consecutive 1-day workshops in October with 40+ undergraduate students from 9 courses in the department. Working in small groups and supported by a technical team, students channelled their individual and collective practices through a variety of technologies to rapidly produce a diverse range of digital artwork and creative content. Foxall Studio then operated as magazine editors, utilising and framing this content to produce an expansive ‘digital zine’ that will be seen displayed on screens throughout the building.
Also inspired by the dynamic encounters between people and the spaces in D&DA, and working directly with staff and students from our new MSc in Creative Technologies, Matthew Woodham’s project in room 103 creates a simulated world of interacting organisms with unexpected possibilities. Woodham has created an interactive and immersive real-time installation to generate ‘novel dynamics’, by allowing visitors to alter parameters of a reaction-diffusion system in a specially created computer programme. The audience collaboratively constructs the projections in the space, adapting the experience for the viewer. Through doing this, visitors can consider the relationship between individuals, wider communities and the space they inhabit.
The D&DA building is not open to the public, but two public tours of the commissions will be led by Bonington Gallery Director Tom Godfrey on November 12th & 14th that anyone is welcome to join.
Book: Tuesday 12 November (1pm – 2 pm)
Book: Thursday 14 November (1pm – 2pm)
Founded in 2006, Foxall Studio has collaborated with global brands such as Vogue, GQ, Google, and YouTube. With expertise in branding, art direction & design, Andrew and Iain lead innovative, experimental projects that challenge traditional approaches to brand building.
www.foxallstudio.com
Matthew Woodham is an artist who works across disciplines. His practice explores system dynamics in nature through research and practical application. His academic background in cognitive neuroscience has informed an expanded study of the common dynamics and structures described by physical and mathematical principles. Woodham is based between Nottingham and London, and graduated from The Royal College of Art in 2023 with an MA in Information Experience Design.
www.matthewwoodham.com
Designed by award-winning architects Hawkins\Brown, and delivered by local architects CPMG, the new Design & Digital Arts Building will place Nottingham as a UK hub for film, television, animation, UX design, games design, graphic design and more.
Before we launched our 2022/23 season of exhibitions, we had a busy summer in which we found time to install a new lighting system in the gallery, as well as launch our brand new website.
We also updated our signage and wayfinding throughout the Bonington building in which the gallery sits, making it easier for visitors to find us.
Thanks to designer, historian and photographer Chris Matthews who devised a striking concept, taking into consideration our long history, location, and ideas as far reaching as ‘super-graphics’ and bus stop signs. Come see for yourself, we’re positive you won’t miss it. We’d also welcome your feedback, so drop us a line with your thoughts or chat to a gallery invigilator on your next visit.
Photo credit: Chris Matthews.