SCAD University Visit DLD’s Art & Design Department

The Art Department at DLD had the pleasure of hosting The Savannah College of Art and Design on the morning of the 15th of May. Among the distinguished guests was Michael James O’Brien, a photographer, teacher, curator, poet and activist currently based in Atlanta, GA where he is Chair of Photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design/SCAD. O’Brien’s impressive career includes collaborations with renowned photographers like Duane Michals, esteemed fashion designers such as Rei Kwakubo and Azzedine Alaia, and acclaimed artists like Gilbert and George.

During the event, O’Brien introduced his artistic practice to students from various disciplines, including Art, Photography, Graphics, and Fashion, shedding light on the diverse opportunities available across SCAD’s campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, and Lacoste. His lecture delved into the importance of collaboration, community, and the myriad career paths within the creative arts, captivating our students with creative practice insights.

Honor Bowman, Dean of Fine Arts and Visual Communication, Academic Services, Administration, also contributed valuable advice on portfolios, publications, career prospects, and project themes, enriching the students’ understanding of the industry.

SCAD graduate Kourtney Iman King shared her recent work in the publication, ‘Class of 2024,’ emphasizing the power of art to transcend academic commentary and speak for itself.

“My works speak for themselves; they don’t’ need academic commentary to be understood…The discord of lessons, analogies, description, and stereotypes that have woven themselves into my reality make defining a ‘perfect’ or ‘normal’ Black life elusive” (Kourtney Iman King SCAD Graduate 2024).

The engagement and enthusiasm displayed by DLD students during the lecture and Q&A session with Michael, Kourtney, and Honor were palpable, underscoring the impact of the event. DLD looks forward to SCAD returning for a workshop to guide students on preparing their work for submission to art colleges and universities.

“I think it was really inspiring to see the level of support that these professionals at SCAD are ready to provide for prospective students and sharing their advice and experience to future Artist” (Tasha Ng Art and Design Student).

The Art and Design Department