Hang Zhang

I’m a MA Fine art student who is originally from China. I came to Leeds in 2018 for the programme of BA Fine Art at the University of Leeds. I stayed for MA because I was used to the art environment in Leeds and Yorkshire.  

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study? 

Fine Art makes you think. And you can almost do anything as a media in Fine Art; painting, printing, music, performance, writing, filmmaking and so much. As I previously worked in design, Fine Art just gives much more freedom and chance to reflect on the world. 

What aspects of the course do you enjoy the most?   

There are 10 people from five countries in this course all doing very different kind of art. Every crits are just like brainstorming of multi-cultures. 

Have you worked closely with a particular tutor or member or the University’s academic staff?   

I have worked closely with most Fine Art supervisors across my three and a half years here.

They all are amazing people who specialise different areas.

The MA Fine Art programme director Professor Chris Taylor has been my personal tutor since day one as an undergrad. We had never talked anything academically in my undergrad until I had the MA interview with him. Now he is the staff who knows my work the best. 

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself? 

Leeds is probably a paradise for student life. To be honest, as a mature student I feel too old for most of the activities however I love to see exhibitions, theatre shows, movies (big fan of Leeds International Film Festival), go for countryside walks (exploring the stunning Yorkshire landscapes!) , food and drinks, etc. 

What do you plan to do when you’ve finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed so far at Leeds will help with these plans? 

I’m applying PhD programme at the moment. I found myself really enjoy humanity, ecology, posthumanism while studying in Leeds. Thus, I plan to pursue it academically. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to the MA Fine Art degree?

I personally really recommend it. Especially if your practice involves lots of philosophical thinking and/or other disciplines; I think you would achieve more in a comprehensive university like Leeds than an art school.