CREATIVE students from New College showcased their unique and abstract work at an exhibition.

The end-of-year graduation show displayed art that had everything from prosthetics, and make-up to period costumes and handmade wigs.

Students on the special art courses on the North Star Campus were excited to get the opportunity to show their work to family, friends but – more importantly – each other as Covid restricted the in-person working.

Lecturer Ellie Baskerville said: “We have tried to keep this year as normal as possible. It’s not the same experience with everyone at home and it’s a challenge with this type of course.

“They all totally smashed it and they turned what could be a very difficult situation into something possible. So we’re very proud.”

The students normally would go to the Steam Museum for the end of year show but it was not possible due to Covid restrictions.

HND media and management student Loren May said: “For the final project, everyone gets excited about it – we all enjoy it but it takes time.

"Lecturers have kept it as normal as they can. I feel you get inspired while you’re doing it so working with your peers so you bounce off of each other.”

BA student Mae Ferguson, 20, who studied hair, makeup and prosthetics completed a personification of Iceland with an extravagant dress and shoes to showcase mother nature in a different form.

She also had a brief to look at any character from literature so chose Lady Macbeth and created different versions of her.

“I really like period costumes and fashion so I wanted to mix the two together.

“We all took it completely different but we get to work on skin and hair here so it’s great. Even though we did the same course, it’s a completely different outcome.”

Illustration student Kye Foynes said: “I did a constant layer of marker pen so you can’t see where the colour starts and ends so it was quite a lengthy process.”

Kye, 22, had surgery to correct his vision and has tetrachromacy – a condition which allows more colours to be seen than on a typical colour spectrum.

He uses his work to allow others to perceive how he sees things. He has taken themes of Swindon and turned them into a creative piece such as a half-man and half-seagull creature representing the birds which are often in the town centre.

“It gives me a sense of belonging and shows my inner voice so people can go on a journey to create these artworks. I’ve had quite a reaction to what I’ve been trying to achieve – trying to see the beauty in things that pull at people.”

“I’m trying to show there is still beauty in something as industrial as Swindon - there is still inspiration to be found.”