University honours international artist at Winter Graduation

The University will also award an honorary degree to the artist, Alexander Beleschenko.

Mr Beleschenko works primarily in the medium of glass.  His spiral design across the north and south glass entrances to the University forms the centrepiece of the Forum.

He studied Fine Arts at several art schools, before moving to Exeter to pursue his career.  He has produced a huge oeuvre of glasswork, including pieces commissioned for underground stations, office spaces, educational establishments and religious and civic buildings in the UK, Germany, France, the USA, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Dominic Jinks, University Arts and Culture Director, said: “Alexander is an artist of national and international repute.  He is regarded as one of the world’s leading architectural glass artists.

“Beleschenko’s work, ‘Path’, was specifically commissioned for the Forum building.  The work is iconic and is becoming synonymous not only with the Forum but with the University as a whole. 

“The work itself involves the fusing of the artist’s design into the glass.  The artist created an alphabetical colour palate in consultation with staff and students, so each facade communicates phrases that sum up Exeter and the University.

“It is in recognition of this iconic piece of work and the ongoing relationship with the University that we are honouring Beleschenko.  We very much hope that Alexander will come back to the University for guest lectures and involvement in the wider Arts & Culture programme.”

University of Exeter graduates will receive their degrees from a top ten UK university, and the Sunday Times University of the Year.  During their studies, new graduates will have seen unparalleled growth at the University, with the institution invited into the Russell Group, as well as the completion of the new Forum development, opened by Her Majesty the Queen.

The University of Exeter’s Chancellor, Floella Benjamin OBE, will preside over the ceremonies, which take place on Saturday 19 January at 9.00am, 11.45am, and 3.00pm.  Each ceremony will be streamed live from the University’s Graduation Ceremonies website.