Andrew Gadd: Fine Art BA(Hons) graduate
Falmouth graduate, Andrew Gadd, is undoubtedly a huge success in the art world. With three solo shows at Agnew's (one of the world's leading international art galleries) and another in the pipeline, group exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery and the Mall Gallery, commercial shows in New York and Italy, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York buying his work, his accomplishments are everything a practising artist could dream of. What's more, although Andrew graduated over 16 years ago, he still attributes much of his success to his time at Falmouth, which, he says, was a critical period in the formation and development of his distinctive allegorical style.
When I started at Falmouth, I mostly worked from life. But all the time I was there, I was trying to work out how to paint from my head - to use my imagination without it looking like it was from my imagination. By the third year, I had learnt how to work out compositions of people successfully without having the models in front of me. That set the mode for when I left, and my work since. It was the first time I got it right, and I worked out a pattern, a blueprint, that I've used again and again in my art.
The staff were also very supportive. They let us do our own thing - they trusted us but were there for guidance when we needed them. As a consequence, I became more confident with my style and approach. It was a great environment to be in, having the time to paint without too many distractions. I was really able to concentrate on my work. Falmouth did not push any house style, which is really important - you have to do your own thing or there won't be anything particular to distinguish your work when you leave.
The students at Falmouth were remarkably diverse. There was a real variety in people's ideas and practices. Everyone had different directions that they wanted to go in, and they tailored their work accordingly. It was a really golden opportunity to discover your voice.
Andrew gained a First Class Honours, then secured a place on the Royal Academy Masters course.
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