伦敦：感官艺术的“麦加”

前途出国外联部总监、美国哈佛大学人类发展与心理学专业硕士 本文作者 萧明颢

Old and new. Vintage and modern. Grunge and haute couture. Gothic vs. Art deco. Stubborn vs. edgy.

Walking around London, looking at the building facades and architecture, with a museum on what seems to be on every corner, the often dreary and bleary weather belies the energy and intensity that lays deep within the soul this global metropolis. No doubt London is a hotbed for the creative, innovative, and avant-garde.

From latest trends worn by pedestrians to the fashion shows at the Somerset House (a much grander setting than the ever more publicized Bryant Park in NYC), to the dozens of museums that lie within meters of each other, the packed theatres in the West End featuring top billing to the stunning array of architecture showcasing the tumultuous evolution of its protector, it’s amiss to think that an artist and ordinary citizen would not find inspiration here.

Photo: Somerset House located on the Strand

Dominated by leading educational institutions, budding artists and those aspiring to the business are coming in droves to the multiple art-focused schools in this city. In particular, leading the helm is the University of Arts London (UAL) with its six member colleges, and in particular, its Central Saint Martins (CSM) campus is one to showcase – truly making use of history to create the future.

Housed in an award winning converted granary (storehouse for grain) at King’s Cross, CSM, a merger of two historical art colleges, St. Martin’s School of Art and Central School of Arts & Crafts, was founded in 1854 and 1896, respectively, is a spectacular piece of architecture monstrosity. Walk in its grand entrance to “The Street”, and you will see that the Granary’s open plan is as lofty as the aspirations of its students.

Boasting international talent, CSM is not short of the celebrities it has nurtured. From the classic and feminine styles of John Galliano and Stella McCartney to Oscar nominated productions by Josh Oppenheimer to the edgy and controversial Alexander McQueen and M.I.A., CSM breeds an environment that is active constantly, with its one-on-one guidance, interactive workshops, and an independently driven learning model that would challenge the discipline habits of the most organized.

More than just a creative space for pure art form, CSM and its sister colleges are also well aware of the importance of interdisciplinary education and training. With degrees such as a MA in Applied Imagination in the Creative Industries or a BA (Hons) in Creative Direction for Fashion, CSM offers an array of degree and certificate programs which would certainly entice even the biggest skeptic about the future employability and viability of this industry.

The most intriguing and interesting part of the CSM campus – its students.

Take a look around and you will see trends ad styles which may be on the catwalk or in stores next season. Yes, these students have an air about them – class, style, confidence, aloofness, talent – an envious and lethal combination which makes you wish you could be spending your days focusing on metallurgy which will end up around your neck and wrists, spouting prose for the stage, or listening to lectures and seminars in the LMVH (Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton S.A.) Lecture Theatre, a nod to the commitment the luxury goods giant has for supporting and mentoring future creative talent.

Photo: An attempt to be Bill Cunningham (New York Times fashion photographer) for a day – a tiny sample of styles seen around CSM

Creativity. Confidence. Limitless style. Fearlessness. These people surely have it…do you?