BA (Hons) Photography students articulate nature and the human body through BUILDHOLLYWOOD collaboration
- Written byChloe Murphy
- Published date 28 March 2024
Share story
One of the most important aspects of studying a creative subject at university is exploring how to apply your learning beyond the classroom. At London College of Communication (LCC), our courses are underpinned by opportunities that connect students with the wider landscape of their disciplines – enabling them to gain crucial industry experience as they put their skills into practice.
Earlier this year, Year 2 students on our BA (Hons) Photography course were invited to collaborate with creative advertising street specialists, BUILDHOLLYWOOD, on a project that focused on the potential of street-level poster space to make genuine connections between people and place.
Bringing together the expertise of cutting-edge agencies DIABOLICAL, JACK and JACK ARTS, BUILDHOLLYWOOD embraces the ‘art school mentality’ to create authentic interactions with local communities.
Working with teams of highly skilled creatives, they produce high-quality posters, billboards, hand-painted murals, interactive installations and ambient experiential campaigns in ways that excite and inspire, and have recently collaborated with clients ranging from the Royal Shakespeare Company and Nike to the Talbot Rice Gallery and BOILER ROOM.
As part of the Professional Collaborations unit, BUILDHOLLYWOOD tasked our students with developing engaging creative billboards that could showcase their unique visions as emerging artists while drawing lines of communication with passers-by. Working in small groups, they spent time developing ideas and initial concepts before shooting their final work.
The resulting campaigns were then featured in poster spaces across Dalston and Haggerston – providing students with an opportunity to open their work to the general public while generating powerful entries for their professional portfolios.
LCC collective Butt Srsly? (April Paice, Finley Gilzene, Alfie Barnes, Jenna Rubenstein, Millie Ghey) developed a multidisciplinary approach to the brief, bringing together the influences of textiles, fashion, metalwork and performance art through the medium of a wearable balloon sculpture designed to make the bodies of its wearers ‘hyponotic and grotesque’.
This concept offered contrast to the work of the second group, Hiber Nature (Sihan Cai, Noam Dee, Elena Inoue, Ametx Meneses Gonzalez). who focused on bringing light into dark days through the use of poetry and evergreen ivy motifs, which were designed to remind audiences that ‘there is green to be found, even in east London’.
Sophy Rickett, artist and Senior Lecturer on BA (Hons) Photography, explained that the collaborative project encouraged students to reflect on the potential of creative practice to make significant social impact.
“The team at BUILDHOLLYWOOD provided such a valuable platform for our Year 2 students working on their recent professional development unit,” she said.
“The brief was perfect in that it encouraged our students to explore the positive impacts that creative work can bring to our communities.
“From beginning to end, this project has been genuinely enriching, and has emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts, community engagement and ethical practices in creative endeavours - a transformative and inspiring experience for all involved!”
We caught up with 2 of the students involved in the project, Finley Gilzene (Butt Srsly?) and Noam Dee (Hiber Nature) about their experience of developing as emerging photographers: from sourcing inspiration from the people around them and the power of creative collectives to the importance of gaining industry experience during their studies.
Tell us about your creative practice.
Finley: In my practice, I’m a lot more interested in the process rather than the final outcome. I’ve found that many of my course projects have revolved around the idea of simply having fun whilst being creative. I love storytelling and being silly when I’m coming up with an idea for a project or am spending time in the studio – in fact, many of my ideas come from silly conversations I have with friends, or funny things we will say or do that sparks a piece of inspiration.
I mostly shoot digital at the moment as I enjoy having the freedom to take as many pictures as I want. So, while I tend to leave the studio with way more photos than I need, this freedom lets me be playful and experimental. I hope to explore the avenue of film more in my practice, and experiment with the use of medium format for my next project.
Noam: My work often lies at the intersection of the personal and the political. I’m always inspired by events in my life, but I want my work to extend beyond my own personal narrative and tackle wider issues that others can relate to as well. Much of my work draws upon feminist theory, although I’ve recently started to explore concepts such as post-memory.
In terms of technique, I prefer using medium format film, partly due to the slow process of analogue photography which I find to be quite therapeutic.
Additionally, I think that studying fine art in school has influenced my approach to photography: I’m not as interested in the technical aspects of my work as I am in the meaning behind my images. I also like to combine photography with other media, and often choose to incorporate poetry or other textual elements.
Why did you decide to study photography at LCC?
Finley: Being the first year to start at a new school in Slough, our options for what to study were very limited, with Fine Art, Graphics, and Drama being the only creative options available. I knew for a long time that I had a keen interest in photography and was desperate for a formal education in this craft. I explored it slightly when I did Fine Art in GCSE and A-level, as well as doing it in my spare time, but I knew I had to do my best to make sure I study my passion to its full extent, so I decided to study it at university.
Studying at LCC was a clear decision for me as I knew for a long time that I enjoyed being in London and it had an amazing creative community. University was always a bit intimidating to me, but I knew that I had to take this risk and explore something new.
Noam: One of the main factors that led me to study at LCC was the location. I don’t think there’s a better place to pursue photography than in London.
The College itself is also a really exciting environment to be in - seeing the work that my tutors and peers create encourages me to push myself and experiment, which I think is really important as a student.
Another huge factor is the opportunities that LCC provides its students with, such as the BUILDHOLLYWOOD collaboration.
How did you first find out about the collaboration with BUILDHOLLYWOOD, and why did you decide to get involved?
Finley: Our tutor, Sophy, introduced us to the Professional Collaborations unit of our course at the start of our Year 2. When we were given the options of industry partners we could work with, hearing that the word ‘billboard’ in the initial discussions was enough to convince me that working with BUILDHOLLYWOOD was the best option for me.
I also spoke to my close friends who were all eager to work together on this project, so before the Brief was even given, our collaborative collective Butt Srsly? was formed!
Noam: After hearing the brief, I knew it was the project that I wanted to work on as I was really excited about the idea of displaying my work in a public space.
I also felt connected to BUILDHOLLYWOOD’s ethos, including their aim of making art more accessible and beneficial to local communities.
What role did you play within the project, and what activities did you take part in?
Finley: Our final outcome included images of my work, and I also chose to take the role of organising the group to make sure we were all on the same page about ideas and roles.
I learned A LOT about the communication needed with professional clients when working in industry, which was a very valuable experience. Sophy was also incredible in letting me take the wheel in contacting Build Hollywood when necessary.
As a group, we worked together on photoshoots, copywriting sessions and going to visit the BUILDHOLLYWOOD HQ, as well as undertaking a Teams call almost every week!
Noam: I helped to create the imagery for the billboard, and one of my photographs was included in the final design. I also wrote poetry which was displayed alongside the images, and participated in the design process of the posters - creating mock-ups and suggesting layout ideas.
However, we didn’t assign fixed roles to each member of the group – instead, we used a more collaborative and experimental approach. We visited the site of the billboard and brainstormed ideas together, and tried out everyone’s ideas until we came to a design that everyone was satisfied with.
What were your highlights of the project?
Finley: Honestly, having the opportunity to work on an exciting project with a group of my closest friends was one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had. I’m very thankful that our tutors allowed us the chance to work together.
From spending nights at each other’s houses replying to emails and finally going to visit the billboard together, it was an incredibly heart-warming experience that brings all of us a lot of pride.
Officially starting our Butt Srysly? after the project is also an incredible feeling and I can’t wait to see where we go!
Noam: My highlight of the project was definitely seeing the final work displayed on a billboard in Hackney. Up until then, I’d only really shown my work to friends and teachers, so it felt surreal to showcase my work in this way – the project enabled me to reach a wider audience of people who wouldn’t have otherwise seen it.
BUILDHOLLYWOOD have also gone above and beyond for us, and it’s been really exciting to take part in the opportunities that followed the collaboration, such as being interviewed for an article that was featured on their website.
Why do you think it's important to gain industry experience while studying?
Finley: We’re only in education for so long! London can be an expensive place to live, and I have found myself losing a lot of time that could be used getting creative experiences while working my 9-5 job.
Whilst I’m studying and have dedicated time to my creative practice, I think it’s important to make the most out of this time whilst I have it to prepare for my future.
Noam: The thought of graduating from university can be quite daunting. The creative industries are extensive and offer students with many potential pathways. It can be challenging for students to navigate this broad field and decide on the path they want to take.
Gaining industry experience while at university can give students more confidence and insight into what their careers could look like. It also provides them with an opportunity to explore their career interests first-hand, so they can have a smoother transition from university into the professional world.
What have you most enjoyed about your time as an LCC student so far?
Finley: Honestly, the people I’ve met have been amazing. Not only have I made friends for life, but I’m inspired everyday with so many artists around me creating amazing work that I’ve never seen before.
So many of the ideas for my own projects have been inspired by my own friends – I’ve learned more from them than anybody!
My tutors have also been great in helping me to persevere, encouraging me through creative blocks and times when I haven’t believed in my own talents. I really feel that the tutors on my course have wanted to build relationships and trust with all their students, which is so inspiring and so important in this stage of our careers.
Noam: So far, I’ve really enjoyed being surrounded by so many creative people. At LCC, I’m constantly inspired by the projects that other students are working on.
I’ve had many opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals, and the facilities at the College have also enabled me to develop my practice to a higher standard.
What tips would you give to prospective students who are interested in your subject?
Finley: Make sure you look at all the course options available! If you enjoy photography, don’t feel like you have to stick to boundaries of one particular subject – UAL explore lots of different areas of specialism, so make sure you research what the course will be teaching to make sure it matches your interests. Additionally, if you’re not sure, you can also speak to the students who are already there.
Another important thing to remember is that your university isn’t there to tell you what to do, so don’t be shocked if you feel a bit lost or left in the dust when you start your course. Just remember what you are passionate about and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing.
Noam: I would suggest to prospective students that they shouldn’t worry if they haven’t had much experience before they begin.
I only began experimenting with photography during my art foundation year, so I was apprehensive about being behind. However, if you feel passionate about your subject, keep experimenting and taking risks – my course, for example, has provided me with the facilities and support to become more confident with my work.
Overall, make the most of any resources you have access to, and surround yourself with people that inspire you!
Related links:
- Read more about the collaboration on the BUILDHOLLYWOOD website.
- Learn more about BA (Hons) Photography at London College of Communication.
- Find out more about the work of our Media School.
