By james art 
ARTWORK created by University of Birmingham students will be featured in an exhibition alongside some of Britain’s most iconic artists at the recently reopened Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Deviance and Difference is curated by Birmingham City University (BCU) Visiting Professor artist Osman Youssefzada and features works by the likes of Francis Bacon, Grayson Perry and Barbara Hepworth, as well as BCU School of Art alumni.
The Birmingham-born artist said: “I was approached by Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and knew it was the perfect opportunity to put some of my students’ work next to the masters.
“I wanted to open doors for the students I taught in the last year, to connect the outside world with the School of Art.
“Birmingham is the first minority-majority city in the UK, so this show reflects those who are marginalized and puts them in the spotlight.”
The exhibition will be largely curated by women and diverse artists to help promote the work of underrepresented communities.
One of the featured student artists is 23-year-old Tia Johnson from Wolverhampton.
Her work, a photographic series titled “Silent Withering,” will be featured in the exhibition, which runs at the gallery until December 8.
The Master of Fine Arts student said: “Being shown amongst so much talent is part of the confidence that my work can represent something and be shown in an environment that is extremely surrounded by so much talent.
“I’m proud of myself for sticking it out these past few months because having an opportunity like this is just the first step to this next chapter.”
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery closed for renovations in November 2022 and partially reopened after almost two years last week on October 24.
Nearly a dozen spaces, including the iconic Round Hall, a facelifted tea room, a shop and the Industrial Gallery, where this exhibition takes place, are open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with free admission.
Toby Whatley, Director of Collections and Estates at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We are thrilled to be able to host this exhibition, curated by renowned artist Osman Yousefzada, showcasing new artwork by BCU art graduates alongside iconic works by the Birmingham Museum Collection.
“Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has always supported Birmingham-based artists at various stages of their careers, so we are delighted to include this exhibition in our re-opening programme.”