On April 2, the Department of Visual Design and Art, the Institute of Architecture and Design, APP, hosted an artist talk with contemporary British artist, curator, and founder of the independent art space Hamilton MAS, Bryony Graham.
Her multidisciplinary practice combines artistic creation, curatorial work, and institutional development. Working at the intersection of art, social engagement, and inclusion, she promotes a disability-led approach and supports artists living with chronic conditions and disabilities. Her experience in post-conflict contexts, including Rwanda and Bosnia and Herzegovina, significantly influenced her artistic trajectory and shaped the themes of her work.
During the meeting, Bryony Graham shared her experience in curating exhibitions, collaborating with international artists, and building creative communities. She demonstrated that an artist can act not only as a creator of artworks, but also as an initiator of independent platforms and a driver of cultural transformation.
According to Viktor Shtets, Head of the Department of Visual Design and Art, such encounters allow students to gain insight into international professional practices, better understand how art institutions function, and recognize their own potential in shaping cultural and organizational processes. The event was coordinated by art curator and lecturer Andrii Rybka. The lecture was delivered in English with simultaneous translation provided by artist Mariia Proshkovska and Associate Professor Serhii Milchevych.
As part of the program, Bryony Graham also visited the conceptual art workshop of the Department, where students were developing their own projects. She noted the dynamic creative atmosphere and collaborative spirit, while her experience encouraged students to experiment more boldly and implement their own artistic ideas.
The event once again highlighted the importance of stepping beyond the academic environment, engaging with international practitioners, and gaining experience that develops not only artistic skills, but also an understanding of the organizational and institutional dimensions of contemporary art.
