Student Exhibits

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The power of exhibiting: BSU graduate Ellie Applegate discusses exhibits, confidence and advice for new starters

Wednesday, 3 September, 2025

Bath Spa University is home to many rising and established artists that are constantly refining their craft and developing their skills.

With BSU’s Locksbrook campus housing courses such as Fine Art, Fashion and Photography, it’s there that exhibited examples of student and staff excellence is constantly on show.

The latter of those courses mentioned, BA Photography, places a particular emphasis on exhibiting work and showcasing talent.

Ellie Applegate, a recent graduate from the BA Photography course, has reflected on her time at BSU and how showcasing her work in galleries in the local area – and beyond – has helped her find her voice as an artist:

“It’s fun to not always have a brief and to be given an opportunity to make something that maybe you’re not used to making. You find yourself figuring out different ways to make the work resemble you.

You put so much time and effort and emotion into figuring out how you’re going to exhibit things and how you want it to speak to people. It’s amazing to actually see your finished work on the wall and realise all the steps that went into making it.”

Ellie has been involved in a range of exhibitions during her time at BSU, with her artistic flair being challenged along the way.

An example of this came during the time of the Undergraduate Degree Show, a celebratory showcase of final year students’ work at Locksbrook, with Ellie also taking part in the ‘Art Along the River’ project, run by the local council.

Reflecting on that time, Ellie said:

“It was very busy, but also very exciting. The second year students took the lead on steering the council exhibition and I think that was really cool for them, they did an incredible job and made the work look beautiful. First year students got involved as well, and I couldn’t have imagined being able to do something like that in my first year!

My final showcase piece for the Degree Show was dedicated to my mum and it challenged me in different ways. I really wanted to honour her and my family and it was the first time I’d printed my work that big; it was great to see it come to life.”

Ellie, now part of the vibrant BSU Alumni community, is determined to continue making and refining her craft, working on a range of projects. You can discover more of Ellie’s work on her Photography Instagram page.

Reflection is a key part of any artist’s journey and, for Ellie, it’s her words of advice for the incoming 2025 cohort that encouraged engagement with practical work:

“I would encourage the new students to fully embrace everything you’re taught and take the time to listen to your peers, you will learn so much from them.

Take advantage of having a whole three years of time to focus on your practise, because when you’re at the end, you will realise just how valuable it is. Although things are uncertain and you’re never sure what’s next, you’ll always have the stability of what you’ve built. You’ve got to really enjoy it and embrace all the opportunities that come your way.”

Are you looking to start your journey behind the lens? BSU’s Photography course could be the perfect place for your dreams to come into focus.