Joshua Clague

The space to try new ideas and make connections

During my degree, I enjoyed the flexibility and freedom that the course offered. Having the time to try out new ideas, test them and fail was a priceless experience.

The freedom of the course allowed me to create my own way of working and follow my own intuition. The mixture of year groups in the studios also lead to me making lifelong friends who are still my best friends now.

Development of creative practice

Through installation, text and performance my practice opens up lived experiences, editing them down to their most essential elements to create points of resonance that have an affective capacity.

Utilising emulation and homage, my practice riffs on pop cultural icons and divas that have informed my sense of self. Ultimately crystallising themes of love, memory, family, fandom and form.

A supportive environment for new discoveries 

The School of Art felt like a welcoming community that really supported me through the transition of moving to London.

Studying at Goldsmiths exposed me to an entirely new way of working and developing my own practice. Taking part in the joint honours course exposed me to a versatile range of theory that I probably would have never stumbled across on my own.

A well-connected area with spaces to study and relax

It was really easy to get anywhere from New Cross because of all the local bus routes and the Overground.

Everything you could need as a student is within walking distance. There are also a great range of coffee shops, so you can switch up your working environment a lot.

The college green is also a great location for relaxing and reading during the warmer months with friends.

Life after Goldsmiths

I have recently begun studying full-time on the three-year postgraduate programme at the Royal Academy Schools.

I am also working part-time alongside my studies. I am really enjoying being back in critical conversations with others in an art studio environment.

Advice for future students

The resources offered to you whilst at Goldsmiths are fantastic. I would tell people to make the most of them whilst studying. They are much harder to find after graduating.

I would also say it's good to be patient with the whole experience of going to university. It took a long time for things to fall into place for me, but it worked out well in the end. The library is also brilliant and absolutely invaluable.