Southwark College recently hosted a unique and inspiring event with the renowned artist Linder, whose exhibition Linder: Danger Came Smiling is currently on display at the Hayward Gallery. The event brought together students, faculty, and art enthusiasts for a day of creativity, learning, and insightful discussion.
The day started with an interactive Cellophane workshop led by Linder for Art and Fashion students. The collaboration was a fantastic opportunity for students to engage directly with a leading contemporary artist and to deepen their understanding of artistic practice.
The session began with a brief presentation by Linder, who introduced the concept of cellophane as a material in her artistic practice. Linder’s work often challenges perceptions of gender, identity, and the body, and this workshop was an exciting opportunity for students to explore these themes through the lens of this intriguing material.
Participants then had the chance to create their own artwork using cellophane, guided by Linder’s expertise. The workshop provided a creative space for students to experiment, reflect, and engage in meaningful artistic expression.
Benjamin Gray, a Fashion Textile student, said: “It’s an honour to have such a legend step into Southwark College. Hearing her talk about her story and the process of her work is really interesting and having her helping us out is also really nice.”
The event continued with a dynamic panel discussion in the College’s hub space. Approximately 70 guests, including Southwark College students and those from neighbouring higher education institutions, gathered to hear Linder and Hannah Martin, Curatorial Assistant at the Hayward Gallery, discuss the artist’s work and creative process.
The panel was chaired by the College's Head of Creative Arts Faculty, Jon Fell, who guided the conversation around Linder's artistic journey, her exploration of materials and the ways in which her work addresses broader themes of identity, empowerment, and societal norms. The discussion also provided valuable insights into the curatorial process and the significance of Linder’s current exhibition at the Hayward Gallery.
It was a rich and engaging conversation that allowed students and attendees to connect directly with Linder’s vision while learning about the behind-the-scenes aspects of mounting a major art exhibition.
Hannah Martin, Curatorial Assistant at the Hayward Gallery, said: “It was great to talk about Linder’s work and my own involvement in the show as well as seeing student’s reactions to the work as well. People were very engaged, asking lots of questions about her practice. The exhibition is an exciting retrospection of Linder’s work, she's been creating work for 50 years and it is so wide ranging and still very relevant today.”
This event marked a wonderful collaboration between Southwark College, the Hayward Gallery, and Linder. It allowed students to engage with contemporary art and connect with the creative community.
Thank you to Linder, Hannah Martin, and all those involved in making this event a success. Southwark College looks forward to future collaborations that inspire and challenge our students.
For more information on Linder’s exhibition Danger Came Smiling at the Hayward Gallery, and to explore future events, please visit the Hayward Gallery’s website.
Find out more about studying Art at Southwark College here.
