We asked an art history student what she thought of election campaign banners

There’s nothing fun about union elections, what with being harassed on campus by over-excited and panicked clones in neon, spray-painted t-shirts.

As such, the Tab had decided to utilise my skills as their resident art critic to analyse your Union Reps complex and really frankly divisive campaign banners in the Square.

I thought that seemed like an excellent use of my time and perceptive gifts, (especially with a dissertation due in under two months.)

‘If you like it, A-lec it’

My favourite banner belongs to Alec Kent, Activities and Opportunities, with the slogan “If you like it, A-lec it”.

Kent’s approach to colour in this complex image shows school spirit is evidently high on his list.

Painted on a bed sheet, Kent makes an interesting post-modern statement on the importance of recycling. If not for mother nature, then at least it was friendly to your student wallet.

The variety of scripts used in the banner doesn’t just serve to emphasise the difference between words but reflects Kent’s multitude of approaches to activities.

The profile of Kent’s face certainly emphasises that these are “his words”, and of course the importance of the beard- an international symbol of authority.

‘Vote Yinbo’

My second round pick, Yinbo Yu, Activities and Opportunities, with the slogan “Vote Yinbo”. Though not the most inventive of campaign slogans, Yu far outstripped the rest of the pack with his commitment to creating the most decorative poster possible.

The cartoon style banner utilises a friendly face to convince you that Yinbo is indeed the choice for Yu.

The formal attire seems purposefully vague, either he is attempting to look like a waiter to emphasise his service to the school (I mean Union), or more likely he simply wanted to look swag and emulate former UEA student Matt Smith.

Jo Swo and Rob Drury – tied

Tied for third place are Jo Swo for Student Welfare Officer and Rob Drury for Activities and Opportunities.

Jo Swo’s creation caught the discerning collector’s eye with a real break in practice, using a green sheet instead of a white one. Now there is commitment to breaking the norms of banner making.

Rob Drury took a different approach in his minimalist creation, the hipster sunglasses really appeal to your audience. And with the entire hipster population at UEA carrying 80 per cent of the vote that’s an important audience to tap into.