Today we catch up with Anta Germane who graduated from BA Fine Art in June 2015 to find out what life is like after graduation.
Describe you experience at Chelsea in 3 words.
Flexible, safe, challenging
What did you enjoy most about studying at Chelsea?
For me the best of Chelsea was the structure of my course. Having the maximum freedom to build my own practice was very important for me when choosing where to study. The attitude towards students is important and having practicing artists as tutors really contributes to understanding how to continue in life after university.
What did you enjoy most about living and studying in London?
I love that London is completely international and full of inspiring and driven people. Everyone you meet has a story. London also has a huge variety of art events and exhibitions happening non stop and it also has plenty of opportunities for young artists.
What was your greatest challenge on the course and how did you overcome it?
I don’t think there is just one great challenge. One of the hardest things to do is leaving the comfort zone to experiment and create new things that may fail. It is probably the most productive thing someone can do, however it is also the scariest. It’s not something one overcomes completely and forever. It happens with every new activity or project. I’ve learned to use these experiences productively and keep trying until I succeed.
What do you do now and what in particular are you working on at the moment?
I have continued my practice and have worked on couple of commissions since graduation. I am currently artist in residence at ACAVA studios, where I am working on a new body of work.
‘Alternative Path’ in Chelsea College of Arts Parade Ground, by Anta Germane
What have been your greatest achievements since graduating from Chelsea?
After graduation I received the “This is This” graduate award/commission. It is established by James White for Chelsea BA Fine Art graduates and is supported by ACAVA studios and BeSmartAboutArt.
This award gave me my current studio space that I am actively using to create a new body of work. As part of it I had a show “Alternative Path” in the Chelsea Parade Ground this October. (See Anta’s Instagram takeover documenting this exhibition on our storify page.)
In summer after graduation I was awarded the Plinth Prize that was established by Chelsea College of Arts. I exhibited a sculpture “250-252” in the Henry Moore courtyard at Chelsea. Both awards have given me great experience and have been fantastic opportunities to showcase my work in a solo show setting.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about studying at Chelsea? Any advice?
To anyone going on the Chelsea BA Fine Art course, my main advice is – take all the opportunities and focus on development of your work. It may seem obvious, but what you find to be an opportunity may not seem so to others. During the course you get a chance to participate in various workshops, apply for commissions and have the access to the Chelsea 3D workshops.
It is important to be true to yourself and work on areas you are interested in. However during your course the need to experiment is supported and everyone should try out new things.
‘Alternative Path’ exhibition in the Chelsea Parade Ground by Anta Germane
See more of Anta’s work on her website: www.antagermane.com
Or follow her on instagram: www.instagram.com/anta.germane/
Find out more about the BA Fine Art course on our website.