# Project Description

It's Grim Up North: Texture of Identity

Bella Smart

Summary

Final work

UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design 2025

Central Saint Martins BA Fine Art 2025-

UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design 2025

Central Saint Martins BA Fine Art 2025-

College School of Pre-Degree Studies

Course UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Graduation year 2025

My work is a response to the statement: ‘It’s grim up north’. I explore the impact of deindustrialisation and government neglect on Northern England and my subsequent internal conflict between the quiet shame of where I’m from and the gradual acceptance of my heritage. I blend documentary style video work with material and spacial installations, using textures and settings associated with specific times and places, hoping to preserve whatever legacy and culture there is left. My hometown was once the ‘King of Cotton’ and with there now being nothing to show for it, I’ve seen first hand the long lasting effects of deindustrialisation and the urban decay its caused.

Final work

It's Grim Up North: Texture of identity | Bella Smart, Final Foundation Piece, 2025

Final video

Research and process

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My work is a response to the statement: ‘It’s grim up north’. I explore the impact of deindustrialisation and government neglect on Northern England and my subsequent internal conflict between the quiet shame of where I’m from and the gradual acceptance of my heritage. I ...

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