We can’t stop thinking about the future, and Kitty Devine thinks she might have seen it.

As someone who suffers from Constant Over-Analytical Thinking disorder (COAT), exhibits can be a little over-stimulating for me. I look at a wall hanging made of strips of rough cut linen, and I see an avant-garde political statement about the decline of British textile manufacturing, the rise of cheap imported foreign labour garments and the way this has cut the fibres that tie our social and economic frameworks together.

I am nothing if not generous in my interpretation of artistic pieces. And it’s never difficult for me to enjoy an exhibit or come away inspired. In fact, so keen am I to find everything artistic, I once thought that a bucket collecting dripping roof water was an installation until a friend pointed out it was just a bucket collecting dripping roof water.

I tend to avoid the literal since it’s never as much fun as living in my own alternate reality. And irrespective of whether I’ve grasped the concept the artist was trying to portray, I’m usually convinced they’re a genius. And although not all art on display at Free Range could be described as genius, a lot of it is very good.

Now in its ninth year, Free Range displays graduate art from primarily, but not exclusively, students at London art colleges. Located in the Old Truman Brewery, it consists of eight exhibitions that change weekly and covers 2D and 3D design, photography, art, interiors and architecture.

The 2D and 3D design, is an excellent start. It encompasses a variety of creative forms from installations, graphic design, jewellery, fashion, technology and illustration, to a selection of painting and photography. Reassuringly, the diversity of pieces ensures a sustained interest, even in the more baffling Sonic Arts BA section.

Some pieces provoke bemused smiles, and look destined to adorn the walls of Nathan Barley’s warehouse conversion. But juxtaposed with the regurgitated Banksian pieces, are some clever and evocative displays of creativity. It’s an interesting insight into emerging talent and, with art for sale as well as on show, that giant red papier-mâché covered lifeboat you’ve always wanted could be yours.

Best of all, was the work of budding printed textile designers like Hayley O’Rourke and Ozlem Kaplan, whose colourful and playful prints were sugar coated eye candy. Also worth a read were the biographical blurbs accompanying the artwork, detailing the artist’s very personal struggles with the piece.

The exhibition is well suited to its warehouse venue. The brewery’s expansive space takes you on a circular route through a number of creative emanations and as much of the art on view is the work of urban Londoners, Free Range seems at home in Shoreditch’s kooky milieu.

One gripe would be the fashion section, a lot of which was very last season. Nothing truly original caught my attention. And be sure, if you visit the show, not to forget your asymmetrical undercut, waistcoats, wet look leggings, knee highs, winkle pickers or hi-tops. This is Shoreditch after all, and no one wants the buzzkill of realising they’re officially a loser.

What:
Free Range: Graduate Art & Design Summer Shows (website HERE)

Where:
Old Truman Brewery
91 Brick Lane
London
E1 6QL

When:
May 29 to July 20

How much:
Free