Written by Eda, your Equity and Inclusion Officer
Last week, we held the second launch of Liberate: The Phineas Art Gallery, and I am still carrying the warmth and energy of the night with me. What began as an idea to turn a student bar into a space for artistic expression has now become something much larger than that. It has become a living conversation between students, art, and liberation.
Throughout the evening, I had the chance to meet the incredible student artists whose works now fill the gallery walls. Each piece held its own story, its own artistry, and its own quiet rebellion. Some spoke about visibility, some about belonging and others about joy. What tied them all together was a shared courage to create and to speak through art when words are not enough.
We also interviewed our artists during the event, and I was moved by the way each of them described their creative process. There was a sense of vulnerability, but also pride, in how they talked about translating lived experience into visual form. Listening to them reminded me of why Liberate exists in the first place. It is not just a gallery. It is a statement that art belongs to everyone, and that representation should not be a privilege.
It is a statement that art belongs to everyone, and that representation should not be a privilege
What touched me most was the sense of ownership our artists felt. This is their space, their platform and their community. In a city where art often feels distant and exclusive, Liberate is proof that creativity can bloom anywhere when given the chance.
As I left the building later that night, I felt proud. Proud of the artists, proud of the teams who worked behind the scenes, and proud that this small idea is slowly growing into something deeply meaningful. It was the perfect way to conclude Black History Month and prepare to welcome Disability History Month.
To everyone who came to the launch, thank you for being part of this journey, and to our artists, thank you for trusting us with your stories. The gallery will be open throughout the month, and I invite everyone to stop by, take your time, and take a look at the incredible art.
A reflection by Fardeen, a student artist
My artwork, The Two London's, was created for the Liberate: The Phineas Art Gallery exhibition. Growing up in East London, often described as one of the city’s most deprived areas, I’ve always been aware of the stark contrast between where I come from and where I study now at UCL. This drawing captures that daily journey, from tower blocks to grand buildings and the invisible barriers that exist between them.
I created the piece digitally on my iPad using Ibis Paint X, layering soft watercolour tones and paper textures to illustrate two worlds colliding. The Two London's explores inequality, resilience, and the sense of pride that comes from carrying both worlds within me.
Being part of the exhibition has been such a special experience. It was lovely meeting other artists at the launch event and seeing how people connected with my work; a few even shared that they related to the feelings behind it, which meant a lot to me. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with great conversations (and even better snacks and drinks!).
This piece holds deep personal meaning, and seeing it displayed on a gallery wall feels surreal, a mix of pride and emotion. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story and to be part of an exhibition that celebrates the power of identity and creativity within the UCL community.
What's next
Liberate is a year-round exhibition - I really encourage you to come to Phineas and check out the art. Later on, there will be the option to submit your art for the chance to be featured in the gallery - watch this space!