Atiqah is truly artistic

University study was a family affair for Atiqah Abdullah. She has travelled from her home country of Brunei in South-East Asia to receive her First Class BA (Hons) Fine Art.

She is the second family member to graduate from Teesside, as her sister Amalina graduated last year with a BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography.

Both sisters are now working back in Brunei, Amalina as a radiographer and Atiqah is teaching A level art in a sixth form college. They received government sponsorships for their degrees.

Atiqah, 22, said: “Having my sister here made it easier to come over for the first time. I liked everything about the Fine Art degree, I’ve learned team work and the importance of professionalism. I really enjoyed my final-year exhibition, learning how to put it together and publicise it.

“My final project was a self-portrait of various aspects of my life, there’s everything from golf clubs to handbags. And it also reflects our consumer, materialistic society.”

Atiqah also enjoyed living in Middlesbrough. She added: “The cost of living was low and everything was within walking distance.”

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