Orkney 26 Degree Show: A Personal Review of Student Art
The Orkney 26 Degree Show is currently open to the public, showcasing a diverse range of student work across undergraduate, National Certificate, and degree-level courses. The exhibition, which features installations, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces, is scheduled to remain open through Wednesday, June 17, with daily viewing until 7 p.m.
The exhibition is organized into three distinct sections: undergraduate works, National Certificate course projects, and the degree show. Visitors can view a variety of creative displays, including Katrina Braddock’s Whale Decomposition, Graemsay, Alex Muir’s textile-based work using flax, and Mia Train’s collection of bone-based sculptures and curiosities. Other notable contributions include ceramic fish, bees, and frogs from the National Certificate students, as well as Hilary Swanney’s series of time-themed pieces.
The use of flax in the exhibition highlights historical textile practices, referencing a time when individuals grew and processed their own flax to produce linen for personal use, a process famously described in Ian Marchant’s One Fine Day.
Why does this exhibition matter?
The Orkney 26 Degree Show serves as a platform for emerging artists to present their technical and conceptual development to the public. By displaying pieces such as Simone Deegan’s spider sculpture or F.M. Roebuck’s curated tins alongside complex textile and bone-based works, the exhibition demonstrates the breadth of creative education currently taking place in Orkney. The event allows for individual interpretation, as evidenced by varying visitor responses to the same collection of works.
The diversity of media—from biological specimens like bones to traditional materials like flax—suggests that these artists are prioritizing tangible, physical creation. In an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, the commitment to manual, process-heavy art forms highlights a significant trend toward human-centric craftsmanship and physical material exploration in academic settings.
What may happen next?
As the exhibition concludes on June 17, the focus will likely shift toward the professional trajectories of the contributing artists. Observers and collectors may monitor these names, as the transition from an academic degree show to independent practice often marks the beginning of these artists’ professional careers. It is possible that these students will continue to refine the themes explored in this show, such as the intersection of nature, history, and structural design, in future professional exhibitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I visit the Orkney 26 Degree Show?
The exhibitions are open to the public daily until 7 p.m. and will conclude on Wednesday, June 17.
What kind of work is featured in the show?
The show includes three sections featuring undergraduate and National Certificate projects, alongside the main degree show. Works range from ceramic sculptures and textile-based flax displays to installations involving bones and mixed-media objects.
Are all works labeled with the artist’s name?
Not necessarily. According to reports from the venue, some works in the National Certificate course section include the artist’s name, while others do not.
Which of these emerging artists’ works would you be most interested in seeing in a future gallery exhibition?