MARIA BEGUM WINS THE EPSON DESIGN IN CONTEXT AWARD IN A CELEBRATION OF PRINTED EXCELLENCE

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25 Jun

“There were a number of stand-out applications that used sublimation as an experimental method to print onto textiles; however, Maria’s work highlighted a complementary process of laser engraving the textile after sublimation printing, which added another dimension to the impressive print and could be commercialised for the high-end interiors market that her project was tailored for” - Grant Cooke - Epson UK

Maria Begum – BCU “Textile Class of 2022” Wins the Epson Design in Context Award in a Celebration of Printed Textile Excellence

Birmingham City University recently celebrated their “Textiles class of 2022”. The showcase brought together this years graduates on campus ahead of the New Designers exhibition in London. Alumni, sponsors and Industry practitioners were invited along to meet the graduates, to view and study their portfolios and offer their advice, knowledge and experience in an informal gathering.

This year’s graduates are the first for almost two years to have a physical showcase. It’s been a challenging creative journey and one that has tasked both graduates and the academic sector.

The effects are many, but at BCU a positive attitude and can-do approach has ensured that the students have had as much on-site practical, hands-on learning as possible. The final Textile showcase is a testament to their joint success and offers a celebration of print textiles and surface pattern design.

Sustainable practice is evident throughout all of the graduates’ portfolios. Some more than others, but nevertheless this innovative generation are certain to challenge and change how we design and manufacture our printed products in the future.

Winning the Epson “Design in Context Award” was Maria Begum.

Marias work, titled: “The floating fields of Bangladesh” was inspired by the atmospheric scenic beauty of the rice terraces and rice plants of Bangladesh.

Presented by Grant Cooke of Epson Europe, we asked a couple of questions about the ‘Design in Context Award’, which is presented to a student that communicates design for fashion or interiors through believable visualisations or appropriate designs for an intended market.

What did you look for in this year’s graduate showcase?

This year, Epson were looking for interesting usage of digital printing, that had been combined with other technologies, to create mixed media applications.

With such high-quality exhibits this year – what made Maria Begums work stand out?

There were a number of stand-out applications that used sublimation as an experimental method to print onto textiles; however, Maria’s work highlighted a complimentary process of laser engraving the textile after sublimation printing, which added another dimension to the impressive print and could be commercialised for the high-end interiors market that her project was tailored for.

What technical/innovative qualities did you particularly admire from other students at this year’s Textile celebration?

As well as laser engraved printed textiles, there were some other experimental applications, such as sublimation printing onto home-made biomaterials, as opposed to synthetics.

There were also other interesting applications outside of digital print, such as photographs being reproduced by weaving on a jacquard loom.

Next stop for the Birmingham City University “Textiles Class of 2022” will be the New Designers exhibition in London. The event marks a 2-year absence from live events which have disconnected the creative community. We asked Zoe Hillyard Textile Artist / Senior Lecturer and Acting Course Leader BA(Hons) Textile Design at Birmingham City University:

With a heightened buzz around the New Designers exhibition, what do you hope for this talented class of 2022?

“New Designers offers the chance to come together once again as a creative community. The work on show will evidence the impact of the last two extraordinary years and it will be exciting to see it expressed through fabric, stitch, colour, pattern, and form - I’m expecting it to be cathartic, emotional and joyful and poignant!”

“Our Class of 2022 have much to offer a world that is looking for fresh ideas and approaches. Combining craftsmanship with innovation our talented graduates are looking forward to showcasing their industry-sector focused ideas on Stand T35 – do come and visit.”

Supporting the gradates in their printed studies at Birmingham City University is Kelly-Marie Fleet, Senior Technical Demonstrator. Kelly is a passionate creative and works tirelessly with students to help them fulfil their creative objectives. She was recently awarded the prestigious #IAMBCU award in recognition of her passion and dedication to the students at BCU.

The technical collaboration between BCU and Epson technologies began in 2017 and Kelly-Marie has been instrumental to the project’s success. The printing department now hosts three machines from the Epson Surecolor portfolio. Printing dye sublimation using the heat transfer process, the equipment supplied in collaboration by Epson, ensures that the students can generate samples and printed fabric lengths at speed. The process also allows the students to explore sustainable production and circular design methods using Epson technology.