UEA, Brutalist Pride, And that time I met Robert Downey Junior
I’m really proud of the University of East Anglia, and am prouder still to have been profiled by the “Where are they now“ alumni tributes.
It was around 14 years ago when I moved into the brutalist concrete jungle of the University of East Anglia. At that time I could not have guessed how deeply the experience of studying at UEA would develop me as a person, and as an artist. Of course I had heard many good things about the university before visiting; it was supposed to be the best for Environmental Sciences, Creative Writing, and of course it has the SCVA Gallery! But unfortunately, it was also not uncommon for people to call it “The University of Easy Access“, and I still overhear people asking “UEA? Is that in the Middle East?“ I went to investigate for myself!
The campus is straight from a sci-fi novel from the 70s - elevated concrete walkways, glass pyramids, a central amphitheatre, all located by a lake in the beautiful Norfolk countryside - and now adorned with a series of Antony Gormley figures. Following a tour of the Sainsbury’s Centre for Visual Arts (SCVA), with their Picassos, Giacomettis, Bacons, Moores, ancient Greek, Japanese, Pre-Colombian, Inuit and Egyptian artworks, I dedicated both of my two university application options to UEA. There was nowhere else I could imagine studying.
How was it possible that Norman Foster’s first ever building was tucked away in the idyllic Norfolk countryside, loaded with masterpieces which would rival any gallery in London? And at that time a world-class team of academics, ranging from British Museum and V&A Curators, to world renowned Art Historians and Archaeologists. Being nurtured in that environment for 3 years, handling the artworks, studying the cultures, and finally graduating in a Cecil Beaton designed gown - it was beyond a dream.
I have always fully supported the ethos of UEA, and see it as a kind of rebel among UK Universities. Built in the 1960s, the intention was to rival the older universities, and open educational access to everyone. My understanding is that the left-wing and atheist principles of the University prevents graduations from happening in the Cathedral. I also understand that UEA was offered a place in the Russell Group and rejected it on grounds of principle. Not to mention that the school of World Art and Museology was an industry leader in recognising non-Eurocentric artwork as of equal value to their European counterparts - displaying both side-by-side, decades before it became fashionable. When the former Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, was offered honorary Doctorates by Oxbridge Universities he rejected them, but once offered an honorary Doctorate from UEA he willingly accepted - attending his graduation the same day as me in 2009! (I said hello but I was shy).
ALSO in 2015 the Sainsbury’s centre was scouted as the location of the Avengers HQ - yes, I did personally meet Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, and I was still shy. Robert Downey Junior asked to have the pin I designed for A Dangerous Figure, and Chris Hemsworth asked if he could have my shoes. I said ‘no’ to the latter, but I understand that Mr Downey Junior still has my work.
And not to brag, but in 2008, I was on the front cover of the UEA prospectus, and that year we did win best looking student body in FHM magazine… just saying… not that those two things are linked or anything…
So you can see I am still in love with UEA.
Now, having said all of that… I do have a bone to pick. Considering how incredible this place is, why do I always find that I’m having to explain to people what UEA is, and where it is? The one main criticism I have is the branding and marketing of UEA. As a designer I look at the logo, website, visual output in general and I ask to myself “is it trying to look cheap and tacky?“ The branding is way off base, clumsy and careless. Furthermore, I could barely find a single stock image of the campus looking as beautiful as it does in real life! A simple Google search should pull up numerous high-res and non-pixilated images of all the beautiful artworks in the SCVA, as well as the Gallery and campus itself. Why am I struggling to find these images?
Come on! Step it up UEA! You owe it to yourselves and your students to show yourself off! Now go get your cheap-ass branding in order and market yourself properly to the world!
Tell everyone how incredible you are UEA! I’m behind you all the way!
Anything I missed? Comment below and add to the conversation…
