In 2019 there was a strong emphasis on drought and fire, waste, humanity’s negative impact on the environment, the minutiae of life, and the importance of our natural environment. In addition students also revealed their inner world as well: the impact of time, the escapism of digital games, the inner anxiety we all experience, and the fear and anger associated with life threatening illness.
See all of the student works, and read more about them, on the ARTEXPRESS 2019 - Student Works page.
Iris Li of St Ursula’s College in her work, Cultural metamorphosis, explored multiculturalism in contemporary Australia by introducing anthropomorphised animals into recognisable scenes of Sydney that appear in anime style. She challenged audiences to consider how new cultures challenge and stretch us to understand different beliefs and traditions arising out of multiculturalism.
Jaimee Fischer from Abbotsleigh in her work, Resilience, reflected on the ability to overcome adversity and the capacity for renewal. Referencing the banksia serrata, a plant which requires fire for renewal, she challenged the audience to consider whether adversity is to be considered as destructive or a source of renewal and to further consider our relationship to the world.
Jacqueline Shen from North Sydney Girls High School in her work, ёin a dogís ageí (In a Dog’s Age), considered how time impacts life and companionship. By creating ‘memory boxes’ she showed the transition of time and the aging of her pet dog but concluded that memories remain forever.
Noah Eakin from Byron Bay High School in his work, Warrior Within, created a character in his search for strength when facing the trauma of cancer and the fear of chemotherapy. His character traversed the darkness of a forest, a river of reflection and an ocean of cleansing as he began a journey of healing.
Belinda Hanrahan, Director of Hazelhurst Arts Centre said the exhibition has been curated by the Gallery’s Kate Milner and Stephanie Bray and this year it is as strong in ideas as ever and reveals extraordinary technical skills by young artists throughout NSW.
Hazelhurst joined other venues across New South Wales in hosting the ARTEXPRESS exhibition, seen by thousands of people.
ARTEXPRESS was a joint partnership between The New South Wales Department of Education and NSW Education Standards Authority in association with Hazelhurst Arts Centre.