An exciting exhibition by student teachers from Atlantic Technological University's new Department of Creative Education will form a focal point for the Way of the Cross, an ecumenical ceremony which begins at St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church at noon on Good Friday (March 29 ) and concludes at St Augustine's Church, Middle Street.
Called The Passion, the exhibition features works by first year student teachers on the Bachelor of Education in Art and Design & Communication Graphics (AU620 ) initial teacher education programme, who were tasked with designing and creating a series of artworks which reference aspects of the Crucifixion and Passion.
The student artwork, sited in both churches, symbolically narrate and commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, forming an art trail, thematically influenced by the Passion.
As part of their research, students were required to explore representations from Irish, European and wider world sources found in manuscripts, stained glass, architectural features, paintings, and religious sculptures. The final outcomes, made using a wide range of materials and media, had to be of a large scale and consider the audience in a meaningful and respectful manner.
The Passion exhibition runs until Saturday March 30. The show was curated by ATU lecturers John Langan and Maria Moore.
“This has been an amazing project to be involved in," said John Langan, lecturer and programme chair. "Each student was assigned a theme from the Crucifixion and Passion to research and to reflect and respond in a creative, contemporary, and individual way. In their art works, they were required to consider materials, scale, site, and audience, and the wonderful architecture and history of both churches. The project has consolidated students’ learning from year 1, anchored in their Art Elements and Design Principles module.”
Dr Dermot O’Donovan, head of Department of Creative Education, ATU, said the project had been an incredibly useful learning exercise for the students. “Our student teachers have learned so much in terms of the design process, research and managing their time and deadlines," he added. "This experience will help them enormously when they go on to become teachers of art and design and communication graphics, and in curating exhibitions with their own pupils. The diversity and quality of their art works is very impressive and it’s great that we have been able to collaborate with the church communities and share these pieces with members of the public.”
The Bachelor of Education in Art and Design & Communication Graphics (AU620 ) is an initial teacher education programme accredited by the Teaching Council. Graduates are qualified to teach both art and design and communication graphics in post-primary schools.
The Department of Creative Education is part of ATU School of Design and Creative Arts. The degree programme is delivered in the ATU Galway City, Wellpark Road campus which will host an open day on April 13 from 10am to 1pm.
