This exhibition celebrates photography students denied final show by COVID

The generation of photography students denied the opportunity of a final show during the pandemic has been given the chance to display their work in an upcoming show. Visual Noise is a new exhibition dedicated to emerging image-makers whose final shows were disrupted as a consequence of COVID. BA and MA photography students from across the UK in graduating classes of 2020-2022 responded to an open call from talent agency Public Offerings Ltd, whose brief was simply to “be creative” and to “show the public work they will not have seen before”. 

40 artists were selected from among the prodigious number of applicants, and each winner has been allocated a 6ft x 6ft space at Maryland Studio dedicated to showcasing their images in the two-day exhibition.

“Graduate degree shows are more than just a rite of passage, they’re a vital springboard for creative talent to get noticed and begin forging their path in the industry,” explains Ellen Stone, CEO of Public Offerings Ltd. “The work by these artists speak to the world we’re living in right now; 2022 through a unique lens exploring the issues that affect us today.” 

Alongside the work of emerging artists, the upper floor of the gallery will be taken over by Rankin for the debut physical iteration of his Swag store – the online shop that first launched in 2021 offering a range of publications, prints and unique archival imagery spanning the last three decades. 

“Like everyone in this industry, I had to get my start somewhere. I was lucky enough to find a community of artists, stylists, writers, and musicians all launching themselves into the world at the same time as me,” says the acclaimed photographer. “By bringing artists together from different universities and backgrounds I hope we can help build a new community of artists who will grow together over the coming decades.” 

Visual Noise is running at Maryland Studio from April 9 until April 10 2022