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Fast-growing law firm Viberts has joined forces with Victoria College to source and display a selection of their finest GCSE and A Level student artwork. The display is part of a drive to support local students and showcase the Island’s creative talent to Viberts’ clientele.
The exhibition includes pieces by Mark Alner, Charlie Carter, Ben Hair, Oren Le Marquand, Tim Norman, Rupert Orr, Andrew Robertson and Joshua Yates. Their works are of a particularly high standard given the age of the artists when they created the pieces, and have already drawn in dozens of visitors who have given positive feedback.
A painting entitled ‘Frustration’, by former student and Head of Dunlop House, Ben Hair, has drawn particular interest given its size and nature. Measuring 6ft tall by 4ft wide, the piece is an oil-based, colourful self-portrait of the young artist biting his Victoria College school tie.
Ben, now aged 20, graduated from Victoria College in 2013 with an A* in Fine Art and was inspired by Maggie Hambling – a British contemporary painter and sculptor who, amongst many works, paints large scale faces in brightly coloured oils. Asked if the piece was meant to be controversial, Ben grinned and said, “People often used to ask me that!” He added, “I included the tie to add a new dimension to the portrait, so that it wasn’t just my face. The bright yellow tie added the extra colour I wanted, and the piece just kind of painted itself. There’s nothing more sinister in it than that!” He went on to say that he was glad Viberts had chosen it as part of the exhibition as he didn’t think the huge piece would look right on the wall in his parents’ house!
Ben is now using his creative talents to pursue a career as an Architect. He is currently carrying out a one year placement as an Architectural Assistant at prestigious London architecture firm, Jeff Kahane & Associates, whilst studying Architecture at the University of Bath.
Viberts Managing Partner, Zoe Blomfield, thanked Victoria College saying, “We are grateful to Head of Art, Jefferson Randles, and Headmaster, Mr Watkins for taking the time to source the artwork and for entrusting Viberts with each piece over the next year. The display has brought character and charm to our refurbished main lobby and we look forward to welcoming visitors who wish to take in the impressive pieces. I am proud to support Victoria College and wish all the featured artists well for their futures.”
Jefferson Randles, Head of Art at Victoria College comments on the support received from Viberts, saying, “Some of the pieces have been sitting in storage for some time so it’s great to see them being displayed for the public at Viberts. As the exhibition demonstrates, we have some exceptional young artists who, like Ben, go onto lead successful creative careers. Thank you to Viberts for expressing an interest in showcasing our students’ talent.”
Located in Viberts new offices on Don Street in St Helier, the 11-piece exhibition is free to attend and open to all from Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:30.
