A Look Back at the Headlines, hits and Hidden gens from this Semester

As the year winds down, it’s time to hit rewind on the past year of the Arts Section. From philosophical debates of art to crowd-pleasing reviews, we’ve compiled your highlights into a Spotify Wrapped-inspired recap. Ready to dive in? Let’s unwrap what made this year unforgettable in the arts! 

Your Most-Streamed Themes 

So far this year your art tastes were eclectic, jumping form passion projects from within the heart of Norwich to UEAs own student artists, here’s what dominated the stage; 

In the August online issue the art section started off with a bang with the article “A Gallery with no walls” leading readers around Norwich’s urban scene. This self-guided tour invites both locals and visitors to discover stunning street art in hidden alleys, prominent walls, and unexpected corners, all while experiencing the city’s unique character and buildings, and I don’t just mean the weather spoons!  

Keeping with the theme of the local talent found in Norwich, the review “Unifying power of art: local talent on a national scale,” introduced some new and aspiring artist’s work displayed in Norwich’s own assembly house. 

Not just as broad as Norwich, but even within UEA itself, did the art section introduced some amazing student artists, including the unique and inspiring works of artist Zayna Tarabay and her divers utilisation of multiple medias such as; sculpture with painting, or inks and charcoal on large scale canvases.

What you played on repeat 

It wasn’t just new articles that you loved, but the classics got their encore too: including the Labours of love found at the Sainsbury centre. 

The beating heart of UEA’s own living history took the lime light in the art section this semester, with a total of 1,845 words all on the wonders found at the Sainsbury centre. Igniting discussion and challenging perspectives, the Sainsbury centre’s latest exhibition, Why Do We Take Drugs, has become a power and immersive exhibition fusing together a timely exploration of drug use throughout culture, society and human relationships, only one of the many thought inspiring exhibitions and interstation at the Sainsbury Centre, all free for students to go and see.  

Your New Obsessions 

The year’s sparked new obsession with unexpected yet innovative artists, with a total with 31 new artists introduced. 

Jayne Cards’ review brought with it to the first in-print issues its own “stunning luminescent scenes of dappled sunshine” from the “master of light”; Joaquin Sorolla. After a visit to home of Sorolla himself, this review captured a real hidden gem in the hot, busy City of Madrid.

After a visit to Roger Acklings’ exhibiton, Sunlight, in Norwich Castle Museum, Fiona and Matthew’s review highlighted another influential exhibition that took place here in Norwich as a “truly a wonderful way to start the summer.”

Your listening personality

If your reading habits say anything about you, it’s that you’re a Cultured Explorer. You gravitate toward pieces that both challenge and memorialises all that the world of art as to offer, whether it’s dissecting the weaponization of art used during the second world wars or amplifying new contemporary artistry that focuses on inclusion and accessibility. You’re the first to share a hot take, but you’ve also got a soft spot for nostalgia and timeless classics.

What’s next in 2025?

As we look ahead, the Arts Section promises more of what you love and a few surprises. Including exclusive interviews with more of UEA’s own student artists and well as big personalities to meet down at the Sainsbury Centre. 

So, whether you’ve been a faithful reader or just stumbled into this time capsule, thanks for making this year in arts spectacular. Here’s to 2025 being even more vibrant, creative, and boundary-pushing!

UEA’S Arts Section: Where every page is a canvas and every reader an artist.

Photo Credits: Unsplash