This week we catch up with MA Fine Art 2014 graduate Rebecca Molloy, originally from Leicester. Rebecca is full steam ahead continuing to develop her practice and soon off to an exciting residency in Trelex, Switzerland. Here’s what she had to say about her time on the MA, life after Chelsea and an exciting future as a professional artist.
Describe your Chelsea experience in 3 words?
Experimental, challenging and refreshing
What do you enjoy most about studying at Chelsea?
My time at Chelsea, was largely spent re-evaluating my practice. This was influenced heavily by my peers and the discussions we had around art. This critical dialogue was incredibly important as it allowed me to think more contextually, more deeply and more critically about the work that I make.
‘Put That Noise Down’
Painting installation: Acrylic on paper, canvas,fabric and breese blocks
Dimensions variable, 2014
How did you enjoy living in London?
I lived in London for a few years prior to studying the Masters. I studied my BA outside of London, so I noticed the difference immediately when I started the MA course. As a group, we would often attend private views and exhibitions together, which extended our dialogue from existing within the university. It’s very inspiring to live and study in a city that has a thriving contemporary art scene.
Where do you live in London and what is your neighbourhood like?
Forest Hill, which is quite suburban, so it’s always very relaxing to come home to. There’s lots of nice bars, cafes and also a strong artistic community, which I’m very happy to be a part of.
What was your greatest challenge on the course and how did you overcome it?
To trust my instinct and to make work that I wasn’t sure about. Chelsea, allowed me to be very experimental, and make work that I never imagined that I would. I embraced a sense of not knowing within my practice and just went with the work that I wanted to make. I just tried to follow up all of my ideas, and see how they could be developed into a coherent practice.
‘Don’t Forget I Don’t Have a Chin’
Film projection on paper, with photographs and baloon sculpture
Dimensions Variable2014
What has been your greatest challenge in your professional life since then and how have you overcome it?
I completed my course in September 2014. It’s quite a shock to come out of such an intense period of studying and making, so the reality of real life was quite difficult to adjust to. I’ve taken part in exhibitions, continued to meet with my peers and made plans for the future, which has helped to make sure the dip after studying wasn’t too intense.
What are you up to these days?
At the beginning of 2015, I’m going to be an artist in residence at the Trelex Residency, Switzerland with fellow painter Abigail Box. I’ll be developing the film aspect of my practice for the duration of my stay. We will hopefully culminate the residency with an exhibition of the work in London, later on in the year. Watch this space!
What are your greatest achievements/awards/exhibitions?
I was recently selected for a new painting journal called Looking at Painting. The journal explores painting in the expanded field, and it was very exciting to have 2 of my installations selected for the publication.
In the summer of 2014, I was also shortlisted for the HIX Award, at the Cock n Bull Gallery, London.
And lastly, what would you say to anyone thinking of studying at Chelsea?
Visit Chelsea on an open day and talk to the tutors of the course you are interested in. It’s really important to make sure that the place of study is right for you and that it fits in with what you want out of your education.
Follow Rebecca’s work on her website, blog and keep in touch via @rmolloyart on Twitter.