Page 58 of The Examiner

Jem Badhuri

Morning, Pat! Are you awake? Hope you’re feeling better. Are you still going?

Patrick Bright

Morning, Jem. Yes, I’m going. Don’t be too disappointed to miss it. I’m sure it’ll be dull as ditchwater.

Jem Badhuri

Aw, thanks, but I’m not disappointed. It’s only overnight. Gela and I can get to know each other. Anyway, my dad hates me being away from home.

Patrick Bright

Thank goodness Ludya and Cameron are designated drivers. It’s a long haul down to Somerset and back.

Jem Badhuri

Is it? I’ve never been. But there are no prizes for guessing why Ludya volunteered to drive. Dad says she must’ve charged up a lorry, from the size of receipt she handed in.

Patrick Bright

Well, she has one of those electric people-carriers. And I thought she was short of cash!

Jem Badhuri

Do you think she lied about her income to get her course fees paid?

Patrick Bright

Has Jonathan spoken to you about a roll of fabric for the tunnel? Apparently it should be delivered to the studio today. He probably mentioned it to Gela.

Jem Badhuri

I have no idea. Even though I’m financial manager, he always speaks to Gela, not me.

Royal Hastings, University of London Multimedia Art MA *Final Project*

Candidate name: Jonathan Danners

Candidate number: 0883482

Introduction:

I don’t like to speak for other people, but it’s my educated observation that students who apply for a course like this anticipate learning how to build and maintain a career in the art world. Those drawn to this industry tend to be sensitive, thoughtful, free-thinking individuals and don’t expect a pressure-cooker environment of ruthless competition. They certainly do not expect that toxic atmosphere to be fuelled, fanned and stoked by staff.

The project for RD8 was executed under the most difficult and trying conditions. Whatever the client thinks of the outcome, it is a tribute to the clash of personalities, hidden agendas and career sabotage that only escalated as the course progressed. My mother and sister both died while my father was gravely ill, but I can honestly say this MA has been the most traumatic and stressful year of my life.

It is tempting to think everything went wrong during that disastrous trip to Somerset. On paper, perhaps it did, but the rot had already set in. It’s hard now to say when exactly the downward spiral began. Was it the day I met Gela? When we fell into step and got talking, just to pass the time. Devising a new MA, she was looking for students with management experience. Thinking about it now, I should have just walked away.

Doodle message group MMAM(FTP), 16 January 2024:

Jonathan Danners

Are you nearly here, Ludya? It’s gone nine and we’re all outside the station.

Patrick Bright

Hi Ludya, we’ve called and messaged. Cameron suggested also Doodling, as you might have Apple watch notifications for that. If you have an Apple watch, that is. Anyway we’re wondering if you’re nearly here?