City Lit Artists Take Over Brixton with Final Exhibition, PROTO
From sculptural fashion to moving image, City Lit’s Foundation Diploma students showcase a year of transformation, resilience, and artistic discovery at the Department Store in Brixton.
This June, the vibrant heart of Brixton becomes the stage for a powerful celebration of creativity, community, and personal growth. PROTO, the final exhibition of City Lit’s Foundation Diploma in Art & Design students, opens at The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, from 18–21 June. Featuring the work of 32 emerging artists aged from their twenties to their seventies, this diverse and inspiring show is a testament to the transformative power of art education.
Top image: Work by Helen Goodenough
Meet the Artists Behind PROTO
Step into PROTO and you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of artistic voices, each one shaped by a year of exploration, experimentation, and fearless self-expression.
Lucy Hadfield, a student in her seventies from Herne Hill, challenges perceptions of ageing with a striking floor-length green cloak adorned with personal motifs. “This is a positive declaration about ageing,” she says. “There are so many good things to celebrate about this time of life.”
At the other end of the age spectrum is Mahdi Chowdhury, 21, from Islington. His sculptural fashion pieces delve into emotional landscapes, inviting viewers to project their own interpretations. “It’s allowed me to be fearless,” he reflects. “The nurturing and acceptance from tutors and classmates has been everything.”
For Helen Goodenough from Ealing, the course offered a long-awaited second chance. “I left school at 17 and worked as a school secretary. I’ve always painted and drawn, but decided it’s now or never.” Her final work blends painting, film, and photography to explore the passage of time. Helen has since been accepted to Chelsea College of Art to study Fine Art.
The exhibition spans a wide range of media — film, textiles, ceramics, print, sculpture, and contemporary practice — each piece reflecting themes of wellbeing, sustainability, resilience, and cultural identity. “Final projects are inspiring hopeful reflections on a year of intense creative dialogue,” says course leader Jera May.
Visit the show
PROTO is open to the public at The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton, SW9 8FR.
Opening hours:
Wednesday 18 June: 11am–6pm (Private View: 6–9pm)
Thursday 19 June: 11am–6pm
Friday 20 June: 11am–8pm
Saturday 21 June: 11am–3pm
Study UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
City Lit’s UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is a hands-on, year-long course that builds your creative skills and portfolio, preparing you for art school, university, or a career in the creative industries.
