WHEN first confronted by the late 19th century Aesthetic Movement, French critic Théophile Gautier was moved to describe the work as ‘Art for Art’s Sake’. For the first time the subject played second fiddle to emotions stirred within the viewer; art as a supreme good in itself, Oscar Wilde called it.

Presumably Gautier and Wilde would approve of The York College Creative Show, an often daring exhibition of work by students studying art, design and craft, featuring work produced over the year. The exhibition showcases the inspirational ideas and achievements of students in a range of disciplines, from drawing and painting, to sculpture, 3D and product design.

Take, for instance, Chloe Tompson, who abandons accepted values to illuminate her work with green neon. Hannah Phillis tears up the rule book in Tracey Emin-style with her astonishingly bold graffiti shower cubicle.

Traditional methodology doesn’t take a back seat, though, as Ellie Moor’s delightful miniatures illustrate admirably; and with photography now considered one of the creative arts, Harriet Sutcliffe’s atmospheric pictures surely echo the Aesthetic Movement’s values through the lens.

Helen Ventress, head of art, design and craft, says the students’ inspiration came from trips, live projects, working with employers, competitions and preparation for the real world of work and further study.

“The Creative Show reflects the flair and genius of our students and their incredible efforts and achievements as they embark on the next stage in their careers,” she says. “They are the young artists and new designers of the future with their finger on the pulse of exciting ideas in the ever changing world we live in.”

• The show previews at York College on Tuesday at 6pm and runs until June 25.