Lancaster University

Anya Kalsi was a student on the BA (Hons) Fine Art course at Lancaster University. Entry requirements at Lancaster at the time of her joining were AAB or ABB (or equivalent).

The Fine Art degree comprises studio practice, art theory and other optional modules. In this regard, Anya studied Documentary Drawing; Expanded Drawing and Expanded Painting. She graduated with 1st Class honours in 2025.

Anya's studentship, attendance and commitment was excellent. Her studio practice specialised in contemporary abstraction of natural forms through large-scale drawing of layered cut forms suspended as installations. Whilst a student she achieved numerous outcomes in the public domain. These are the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Drawing Prize 2025; the Birmingham Open 25 Exhibition; and Coventry Open 2025 at the Herbert Art Gallery. It is unusual to achieve a triple success at this level given that competition, nationwide, is high.

Integral to Fine Art study is the development of professional skills which includes identifying and submitting to opportunities such as these which, when successful, present platforms that art students can build upon following graduation. In addition, her work was selected for the Dean's Art Prize at the University and is now part of the collection. Anya is the perfect example of the course aims - to produce talented, informed practitioners who contribute to the environment, community and culture. I understand that since graduation Anya has gone on to enjoy yet more exhibition exposure.

From Term 1 of Year 1 Anya was immersed in her studies and held a strong self-belief in testing what drawing is (and could be) whilst maintaining a very high standard in technical skills and methodologies. Driven, disciplined and exacting she was a great addition to her cohort who, I believe, valued and looked up to Anya's knowledge, skills and dedication within the studio.

I recommend Anya in the strongest terms - any postgraduate course of calibre would be taking on a student who would contribute great things and have a positive impact on the cohort experience - mature, socially engaged, articulate and a person who gets out there and makes things happen. We are proud of Anya's achievements.

Pip Dickens MFA (UCL), Fellow of the Higher Education Authority