Jenny Maxwell
Profession
MRes Art: Theory and Philosophy alum
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Alumni
Biography
Jenny Maxwell is a London-based artist, writer and educator. A graduate of the MRes Art: Theory and Philosophy at Central Saint Martins (2018), her work moves between writing, performance and experimental research.
Interview
Why did you choose to study MRes Art: Theory and Philosophy and why CSM?
It’s funny how things fall into, and out of, time and place. I’d broken my foot and flooded my flat (meaning the whole floor needed to be pulled up), so there was something about the timing for me, shattered foundations and new beginnings. Through chance and curiosity, I hobbled along to a public lecture at CSM. It was on the body and psychoanalysis and, well, something just clicked.
It was at that event that I discovered what an MRes was and how it was different to an MA, and immediately knew it was the thing for me. I was drawn to the excitement of diving into a self-directed course, realising I could finally pull all the threads I was interested in together. The course was rich and intense but flexible, and split over two years, which I was ecstatic about the structure ensured there would be time to process, digest and really work with the research, and this made all the difference.
I could continue to work, and teach, and make music, and study. I felt like I had it all.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
I’ve loved all the projects I’ve been involved in – but my final MRes submission was completed while I was on tour with a band. It was called Lost in Transit. I posted a physical copy of it to CSM in London from a festival in Spain. I put the address of a taxi firm on the package as its ‘return to sender’ address, and secretly hoped it might get lost in the mail. I still daydream about what might have happened if it had got lost in the post, and where else it might have travelled.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
To say 'yes’ to whatever opportunities arrive - to stay curious and come with an open mind and enjoy the possibility of what might happen. Enjoy the process and the space of not knowing.
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
Meeting, thinking and working with others.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years time?
I’m nearing the end of my PhD now, so would like to continue the journey of teaching, writing and making once I've finished. I also want to set up an artist-led playgroup to work with children.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
That nothing is fixed. Nor is it (necessarily) broken.
Links
Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn