29 October 2024
Fife College Art and Design students recently had a unique opportunity to hone their creative skills under the guidance of acclaimed artist Ross Muir.
Celebrated for his innovative take on iconic artworks, reimagining them with a modern twist and making them relatable to a new generation, Ross’s signature style and fresh approach have earned him international acclaim. His pieces often explore themes of identity, pop culture, and social commentary.
From Adidas tracksuits to witty slogans, Glasgow-based Ross creates prints and paintings inspired by the history of art with the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Henri Mattise and Pablo Picasso just a few of the historic creatives the artist has paid homage to.
Ross’s visit to the College’s Kirkcaldy Campus provided a chance for students to present their own artwork, influenced by the artist’s distinctive style and approach to contemporary art.
Reflecting on the students and their work, Ross said:
“The students were great, and they all seemed to be excelling and enjoying the course. The standard of their artwork was amazing. It was clear how much the course means to the students – you could see that in their body of work and energy.”
Ross’s visit highlights Fife College’s commitment to connecting students with industry leaders and offering hands-on learning experiences.
Ross added:
“Contemporary art is super important in teaching and capturing history. But for me, art is the reason I get out of bed in the morning. Creating art keeps me alive.”
Lecturer Gianna Rossi organised the visit as part of the creative process unit of the course. Gianna was keen to focus on Scottish artists and their rise to success to showcase that even in the smallest parts of this country, you can be noticed.
Gianna added her own personal touch during the visit too, presenting a portrait of Ross that she created. Ross praised and signed her work, underscoring the high talent level among the College’s teaching staff.
Dan Layton-Scott, one of the students who attended the session, said:
"Having Ross Muir come into our class was a great experience for everyone. Not only did we have an artist at a high level taking an interest in our work, but we also learned from someone with unique experience in the art world.
“I learned a lot from what he had to say to everyone – his perspective on art, learning as a whole, and making a career in art, which is useful to anyone studying the subject."
For more information on Fife College’s Art and Design courses, visit our course pages here.