My Love for Art and Its History: Why I Choose This Course

The communication of our complex human existence through writing soon became fascinating once I recognized that the concrete absolutes of science and maths could not satisfy me. Progressing through my education, literature transformed from something not only to entice my imagination, but also an opportunity to enrich knowledge. Similarly, my love for Art and its History stems from the infinite possibility which it presents us to express ourselves and make sense of the world around us.

Initially, my curiosity into the history of art was ignited through my study of Art at GCSE and A-level, where I began to critically analyse artist's techniques to inform my own work. I explored this curiosity in my spare time, and have been fortunate enough to visit museums and exhibitions in cities such as the Louvre in Paris, the Tate Modern in, and the MoMA in New York. To me, what makes art fascinating is it's ambiguity, which is why following visits to such exhibitions I found that what moved me most was modern art. One artist in particular at the MoMA that inspired me was abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, and his piece 'Red, Brown and Black'. Minimalist modern art is certainly divisive, but after witnessing the scale and expressive, dazzling colours of his work in person, I was in awe of the emotion it evokes - a capability which I believe it holds due to the openness of interpretation to each individual. At the 2019 Venice Biennale, I was exposed to a whole new idea of what constitutes Art. Peng Yu and Suan Yan's 'Can't Help Myself' in particular was fascinating to witness in person. It's nihilistic premise ultimately inspired my extended exploration of the futility of life and beauty in death within my own studies, for which I was awarded my school's Art award in 2020.

Studying English at A-Level I have appreciated cultivating the ability to convey my own intricate ideas into writing. I particularly enjoyed creative writing for my coursework piece 'The Gift', in which I rewrote the Greek myth of Pandora's box in the style of classic Gothic Literature- an exert of which was published in my school's anthology alongside my accompanying artwork. While researching for this piece, I analysed works such as Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', and Mary E. Wilkins Freeman's 'Luella Miller' in order to successfully emulate the carefully crafted style of gothic literature. Freeman's 'Luella Miller' influenced me to pursue my interest in feminist literature, introducing me to thought provoking writers such as Kate Chopin, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Virginia Woolf. This feminist perspective aided me within my A-level study, especially within critically analysing 'A Streetcar Named Desire'; a complex social commentary on post-war gender roles. I feel that this perspective is essential in analysing contemporary literature and artwork, as in modern times, social change is so prevalent and the political climate ever-changing.

A quality I possess which would be an asset at University is my positive social skills. These skills were tested and developed through my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition, which I successfully completed. Through the experience, I learned the importance of communication, strong teamwork, and problem-solving alongside my peers. I am a keen and skilled ballet dancer- and have completed twelve years of training reaching a Grade 6 awarded by the Royal Academy of Dance. Music is another great passion of mine, influenced by my ten years learning the piano.

I believe that a degree in English and Art History will further feed my passion for the questioning and debating of our existence which others readily accept - I am excited to expand my horizons tackling unfamiliar and challenging literature. Equally, I hope that studying Art History will present a continually stimulating insight into how deeply art is intertwined with our human existence.