Art & Design students selected for prestigious UAL Origins Creatives exhibition

Six talented Art & Design students from Abingdon & Witney College were selected to exhibit their work at the prestigious Origins Creatives 2026 exhibition in central London from 15th–18th July, bringing together outstanding work from students studying University of the Arts London (UAL) qualifications across the UK.

Organised by the UAL Awarding Body, Origins Creatives is an annual national exhibition celebrating exceptional student creativity across art and design, fashion, creative media, music and performing arts. This year, more than 600 submissions were considered from colleges across the UK, with only around 150 pieces chosen for exhibition, placing the selected students among the very best emerging creative talent in the country.

Colleges are invited to nominate one outstanding student from each course to represent them. Abingdon & Witney College has a strong and longstanding record of success in this highly competitive exhibition, and this year six of our students were selected, spanning Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Foundation Art & Design courses across both campuses.

This achievement recognizes and celebrates the exceptional talent, originality, technical skill and creative vision of our students, as demonstrated in the selected submissions below.

Abingdon students

Kirsten Hernaez – Engulfed
UAL Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

A powerful mixed-media work that highlights the devastating human impact of corruption in the Philippines, portraying how systemic failures can overwhelm individuals, families and entire communities.

Kaiden Scott – Eyesore
UAL Level 1 Diploma in Art, Design and Media and Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design

Using a 3D peep-show format inspired by science fiction and environmental art, this piece contrasts the beauty of nature with the damaging effects of industrialisation and pollution.

Abby Payne – Humanity’s Primal Calling
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice

A dramatic narrative artwork exploring survival, sisterhood and human nature, questioning what truly separates humanity from the instincts of the animal world.

Witney Students

Anastasia Chryssou – The Potion Seller

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice
Through concept art, environment design and pixel art, Ana creates a rich fantasy world centred on a travelling potion seller navigating a post-catastrophe landscape of mystery, resilience and adventure.

Martha Hutchinson – Nostalgia: Martha’s World

UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design
This deeply personal textile installation combines photographs, fabrics and handmade objects to celebrate childhood memories, identity and the comfort of treasured keepsakes.

Katie Siret – Identity: Metamorphosis
UAL Level 1 Diploma in Art, Design & Media

Drawing on nature, mythology and cultural symbolism, Katie uses mixed-media textiles to explore transformation, spirituality and self-expression through the life cycle of moths.

This year’s exhibiting students are progressing to an exciting range of creative pathways such as degrees in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, Illustration at Buckinghamshire New University, and Concept Art at Leeds University. Others will continue their creative journeys at Abingdon & Witney College.

Lauren Helsby, Study Programme Lead for Art & Design, said:

"Having six students selected for Origins Creatives this year is an incredible achievement and reflects the exceptional standard of work being produced across both our campuses. We encourage our students to experiment, take creative risks and develop their own artistic voice, and it's wonderful to see their talent recognised on a national stage. We're immensely proud of every student selected."

Now in its third year at the Mall Galleries, Origins Creatives has become a highlight of the UK's creative calendar, showcasing outstanding student work from across the country. Visitors can explore an inspiring range of disciplines, from painting, photography and textiles to installation, animation and performance, offering a glimpse into the future of the UK's creative industries.

Congratulations to Kaiden, Abby, Kirsten, Katie, Martha and Anastasia on this fantastic achievement. We look forward to seeing their work showcased alongside the country's most exciting emerging creative talent.

Abingdon & Witney College offers a wide range of UAL-accredited Art & Design courses, from Level 1 through to the Foundation Diploma, giving students the opportunity to explore a broad range of creative disciplines in professional studio environments with expert tutor support.