Solent Unviersity Southampton logo
Solent Unviersity Southampton logo
Skip to main content

Two Solent graduates have been chosen to have their work exhibited at galleries as part of the Platform Graduate Award 2019.

21st August 2019

Two Solent graduates have been chosen to represent some of the finest emerging visual artists for the Platform Graduate Award 2019.

Gwen Datyner, who graduated from BA (Hons) Fine Art this year, and Mat Scott, who graduated from BA (Hons) Photography, will be exhibited at Aspex in Portsmouth, one of four partner galleries hosting work from 23 graduates across 14 universities from September 2019 to January 2020.

The Fish and Chip Shop, Gwen Datyner, 2019

“I am extremely humbled and ecstatic to have been chosen to be a part of the exhibition with ex-graduates,” explains Mat, 21. “The time between leaving university and trying to find a job can be tough, as well as trying to get your work out there and available to others.

“I never imagined I would get to see my own work in a gallery space on a wall for the public to see – but it’s an amazing experience.”

Mat Scott with some of his work

An artist from each gallery is nominated for the Platform Graduate Award 2019, organised by Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) South East, with the winning artist – who will receive a bursary of £2,000 and bespoke mentoring - announced on 23 November by guest selector and artist Mikhail Karikis. 

The awards support new graduate talent across the south east region. Jo Bushnell, Director of Aspex and Deputy Chair of CVAN South East says: "The Platform Graduate Award has grown to be a vital showcase and professional development opportunity for emerging artists in the South East. 

“Aspex is proud to work with our partners to continue the great work of this initiative and to spotlight the diversity of practice being produced in the region's art schools.

“At a time when our region’s exemplary art and design HE institutions face pressures of finance and national policy, it is also important to restate the contribution they make to our thriving sector."

Image by Mat Scott, 2019 

The group exhibition at Aspex will take place 4 October – 29 December 2019 with an exhibition preview on Thursday 3 October.