Michael Petry Arts University Plymouth

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Renowned artist Michael Petry leads glass workshops at Arts University Plymouth

Renowned artist and MOCA London Director Michael Petry led glass workshops at Arts University Plymouth, inspiring students with insights into queer art, collaboration, and professional practice in contemporary craft and design.
<p dir="ltr">Acclaimed multimedia artist, author, and Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) London, <strong><a href="https://www.michaelpetry.com/">Michael Petry</a></strong>, brought his visionary approach to Arts University Plymouth, leading a series of hot glass workshops for <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-craft-material-practices">BA (Hons) Craft &amp; Material Practices</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-glass">MA Glass</a></strong> students and delivering an inspiring guest lecture to students from across the university.</p> <p dir="ltr">A celebrated figure in contemporary art, Michael’s work bridges art criticism, culture, and LGBTQ+ studies, spanning multimedia installations, glass, bronze, and painting. He often explores themes of identity, queerness, and global political currents within his art.</p> <p dir="ltr">Reflecting on his experiences working with students at Arts University Plymouth, Michael said: "The hot glass studios have been alive with energy and cooperation. This is professional practice at its best. Arts University Plymouth students are helping me to create coloured glass work for an upcoming exhibition in London, learning not just technical skills, but the importance of working as a team to achieve a shared vision."<br /></p>
Colin Wilkes Alison Stott Michael Petry

Michael Petry oversees glassblowing with Colin Wilkes and Alison Stott at Arts University Plymouth.

<h2><strong>Queer perspectives in contemporary art</strong></h2> <p dir="ltr">As a leading voice in queer art, Michael’s career reflects his commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging dominant narratives. During his guest lecture, he discussed his recent series, ‘The Civil War Paintings’, a body of politically charged, conceptually layered work addressing themes of conflict, identity, and resilience.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My work might look conceptual and abstract, but it’s loaded in political and queer contexts," Michael explained. “‘AT the core of the algorithm’ is a huge glass installation I made, that is an homage to Alan Turing. The work might not look queer to a casual observer, but it’s a monument to a man whose contributions have shaped the world we now live in."</p> <p>Michael encouraged students to connect their personal perspectives to their creative practice, reminding them of the importance of responding to the world around them: "Whatever perspective your work represents, there will always be someone who connects with it. Ultimately, however, you can only make art for yourself. You hope to live in the right place and time for your work to be received positively, but regardless, you can only make the work that speaks to you and <em>for</em> you.”<strong><br /></strong></p>
Michael Petry turing glass art

Michael Petry's ‘AT the core of the algorithm’ - Created with help from Arts University Plymouth students

<h2><strong>Student spotlight: Alison Stott, MA Glass</strong></h2> <p dir="ltr">For <strong>Alison Stott</strong>, a part-time MA Glass student, the experience of working with Michael Petry has been transformative: "One of the brilliant things about this collaboration has been the team spirit that we’ve experienced in the hot glass studios. We couldn’t create these pieces individually, so we’re working together and supporting one another."</p> <p dir="ltr">“Working with Michael Petry is teaching me that I don’t have to make everything myself. There are some visions and projects of a scale that can only be achieved by working with others.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Alison has a background in visual effects (VFX), having had a long career working in film and television, with a focus on commercials for clients including Ford, Sky and Netflix. Her VFX can be seen in blockbuster films such as Ridley Scott’s ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ and Netflix’s award-winning series ‘The Crown’.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since joining Arts University Plymouth to study glass, Alison’s work bridges the gap between the physical and digital, exploring the interaction of glass and light. Her research focuses on caustics—the intricate light patterns reflected or refracted by curved glass surfaces. She’s planning ahead for her final major MA project, a collaboration with physicist Sir Michael Berry from the University of Bristol, creating glass art that responds to the needs of the scientific community.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I’ve developed a keen interest in caustics because, when you’re trying to create realistic lighting through glass or water in the VFX world, the computational power required to recreate these singularities of light is immense. I want to return to a physical form of making and in turn to create art that people need to experience physically in person.”<br /></p>
Alison Stott glass Michael Petry

Alison Stott works with hot glass at Arts University Plymouth, preparing for artist Michael Petry's upcoming London exhibition.

<h2><strong>A legacy of collaboration at Arts University Plymouth</strong></h2> <p dir="ltr">Michael’s collaboration with Arts University Plymouth includes working with staff and students to create glass installations for the ‘<a href="https://www.michaelpetry.com/a-twist-in-time.html">A Twist in Time</a>’ and <a href="https://www.michaelpetry.com/a-twist-in-time.html">‘In League With Devils’</a> exhibitions. His professional relationships with key figures at Arts University Plymouth, including Fab Lab Principal Technician and master glassmaker Ian Hankey, go back over 30 years, from their time working together at the Royal College of Art. For this latest collaboration with Arts University Plymouth, the mini residency reinforces the university’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to engage directly with leading practitioners at the intersection of traditional craft and contemporary innovation.</p> <p dir="ltr">Michael’s visit was part of <strong>Imagination &amp; Curiosity Fortnight </strong>for undergraduate students, an annual programme of events designed to inspire students, recharge creative thinking, and explore innovative approaches to art and design.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gayle Matthias, BA (Hons) Craft &amp; Material Practices Course Leader, said: “Michael Petry’s time in Arts University Plymouth has created an amazing opportunity for craft students to improve their glassblowing skills through a series of intensive collaborative workshops. Blowing at scale is challenging. Some of the students learning from Michael have only been glassblowing for a matter of months, whereas others have nearly three years of experience, but together they are all making great progress under the direction of studio coordinator Colin Wilkes, who is also a graduate from this course.”<br /></p>
Colin Wilkes arts university plymouth

Colin Wilkes supports student hot glass work at Arts University Plymouth.

<p><strong>Explore Arts University Plymouth</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Michael Petry’s workshops and lecture exemplify Arts University Plymouth’s mission to connect students with transformative learning experiences. Through the state-of-the-art glass facilities and the interdisciplinary opportunities offered to <strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-craft-material-practices">BA (Hons) Craft &amp; Material Practices</a></strong> and<strong> <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-glass">MA Glass</a></strong> students, the leading arts university empowers students to develop bold, innovative practices that resonate in today’s global creative landscape.</p> <p><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/apply">Apply now</a> to secure your place to study at Arts University Plymouth this year or book to visit an <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days">Open Day</a> and come to meet our expert academics and welcoming community of creative students.</p>