In this “unprecedented” year, when the whole world has had to compromise, limit and postpone, the Year 12 Visual Arts Class of 2020 have done the opposite - blowing our minds by how they have extended their skills and their thinking, and undertaken such ambitious work.
There are some recurring insights that you will find when viewing this show. How society raises and places expectations upon boys and men is a dominant one. Works by Baedyn Bussey, Will Fitzgerald, Brodie Hall, Aimee McArthur, Teji Pastor and Elsie Scullard, all deal with this concern. Rashmi Perera, Felicity Jeresano, Mary Charlize Rodriguez, Sandra Vadakanchery and Chatchawarn Visetsiri all draw on their personal cultural heritages to explore topics as diverse as longing, identity and political conflict. The things and people that inspire us to be better humans are evident in the work of Tom Busch, Caitlin Ryman, Ethan Pearce-Daley, Abbey Macleod and Lachlan Connelly. Lisa Joseph, Madison Jones, Jessica Ryan and Kyla Turner, present us with social and political issues, examining our environment, our beliefs, our biases and our legacy. While all of our students’ works are a product of our time and place, Chelsea Panetta’s Wistful poignantly captures the peculiarities of 2020, reflecting upon confinement, yearning and waiting.
The students have depicted themselves in more than one way. They are sharing with us their thoughts about their world, but more than half of them have used self portraiture as a means of combining the personal with the universal.
Undertaking a Creative Arts subject at HSC level requires a special commitment, and it is a tremendous achievement to balance a busy life and study schedule as well as compartmentalize a creative space.
We take the opportunity to acknowledge the support of families and friends who have cared for, offered advice to and worried about our students. We hope that you enjoy the exhibition, the work and this celebration of achievement.
Catherine Jones and Kirk Watts
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Influence. Insight. Motivation
Thomas Busch My artwork is about the impact my Grandfather has had on my life through sport, and how the relationship between us has been influenced through our love for the same game. My grandfather had played football (soccer) his entire life, in his homeland of Scotland, and when he moved to Australia. He has multiple coaching certificates, and he enjoys being able to pass his knowledge down to myself and my brothers. Because we live in different cities, he sends regular letters, helping better my understanding of the game, and explaining different game situations. My artwork highlights his playing experience, and my inspiration for him. It also demonstrates the passing of knowledge from one generation to another, as well as the importance football has in my life, and my family's life. The title, ‘Influence. Insight. Motivation.’ demonstrates the impact he has had on my life. His knowledge and love for the game has influenced me to play and learn. His insight has developed me into a better player, and expanded my knowledge extensively. He motivates me by giving me drills to better my skill, and be the best version of myself on and off the field. This is a way we connect, and we have a strong relationship through this. |
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Thoughts and Expectations
Baeydn Bussey “What do you think?” My artwork depicts the thoughts of what a stereotypical male teenager would be most interested in doing for enjoyment and gaining long term skills. Due to the ever changing nature of teenage boys, the thoughts on what they are interested in is changing, along with the expectations of how they should be acting. Each component of the artwork relates to a different thought about a future career or what someone enjoys or would like to do. Thoughts and Expectations depicts common beliefs of what someone might think are the enjoyments and hobbies of a stereotypical teenager. |
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I Am The Greatest Showman
Lachlan Connelly As the Greatest Showman, it is a given that I love dancing, entertaining and singing. I have a desire to be just like Hugh Jackman, especially after seeing the live show. I have represented my personality in this painting by using vibrant colours because just like a ringmaster I am bubbly and love to steal the show! I enjoyed painting this piece, but I especially loved using red and gold paint. For me, this painting provides so much happiness |
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Pupa (ripples and cascades) William Fitzgerald A pupa (Latin: pūpa, "doll"; plural: pūpae) is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation between immature and mature stages. The transformation from Infancy to older adolescence is what the Pupa stage is to an insect. My work aims to depict the challenges and decisions made by one during the early stages for life up to the startof adulthood. We are faced with hundreds of decisions and situations per day, each of which influencing and growing us as people. During each stage of life the limitations of our decision making expand. We are more conscious of why we make decisions and the outcomes they may present. However this does not always mean we will pick the best decision, nor does it mean we will pick the worst. We pick the best for our situation at the time. This is something my artwork tries to express. Although broadly, it shows the path one may take throughout their early life with items surrounding the path that may be present or even influential to one's choices along the path. Whatever paths and choices have been made through one's life, my artwork hopes to provoke reflections and ease. No matter what stage of life you are in, choices and decisions will always be present. With these decisions come more decisions and so on and so forth. The message I hope my artwork expresses is that; Making the best choices can be hard, but all choices have an effect, don't let a present choice compromise the future. |
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See How it Feels
Brodie Hall Boys are constantly told to hide their emotions. Ask any male about their emotions and they will shut you out. Trust me. I believe I am a player within this game. Expressing emotions is hard for someone like me who is so used to hiding and pretending everything is okay. Within my body of work I chose to paint emotion to communicate a story of sadness and to see the fragility of the male figure |
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Still Life with Assimilation
Felicity Jeresano For many migrants, culture and identity are an aspect that is often questioned by the individual themselves. Being born in the Philippines and growing up in Australia, I was inspired to communicate my personal experience of living in between two cultures and emphasise the idea of not being Australian nor Filipino, but rather a combination of both. By combining Australian and Filipino objects, my Body of Work encapsulates the presence of two cultures within one’s life. My still life is a visual depiction of my realisation that I do not need to be exclusively Australian nor exclusively Filipino, I can be a mixture of both. |
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Your Kind Should All Be Shot
Madison Jones The nascency of “Your Kind Should All Be Shot!” was inspired by the work of artist, Vincent Fantauzzo. In particular, his portrait of Australian actor Heath Ledger, ‘Heath’. This painting explores various ideas of self battle and mental struggle. I focused on Fantauzzo’s concept of there being multiple sides of oneself to assist in the creation of “Your Kind Should All Be Shot!”. My use of blue ballpoint pen was inspired by artist Laith McGregor. McGregor explores harsh ideas of stereotypical masculinity in his work. I wished to convey a similar atmosphere through my material choice, portraying a dense and emotional connotation in my artwork. I see my work as a representation of discrimination, deconstructing the idea of being a part of a minority group, such as the drag community. Jonas, is an Indigenous Australian Drag Queen, both his drag and everyday self is shown in my artwork. He is an individual who has endured damaging discrimination through out his life. To such an extent that these negative stereotypes have become an internalised persona of himself. Because he is a drag queen, he is directly associated and labelled with these degrading slurs. Distorting his sense of identity. |
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Divine Intervention
Lisa Joseph Divine Intervention is an exploration of the role of religion in contemporary society. Primarily, this work questions the reliance on religious bodies to intervene in problems that we should otherwise be in control of. Ancient texts are still relevant in the contemporary world and guide us through poignant contemporary issues such as climate change and the refugee crisis. Vishnu is a significant figure in the pantheon of Hindu Gods. Wherein Shiva destroys & Brahma creates, Vishnu is considered the preserver and protector of the universe. By placing Vishnu amidst the burnt-out landscape, this work asks us why we are not sustaining the world that was created for us. Likewise, the placement of Jesus on the boat is reminiscent of Christian iconography, particularly the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane. Wherein Jesus is contemplating his own death, refugees are often willing to risk a similar fate in order to ensure a brighter future. Evidently, most religious art uses inspirational imagery, often intended to uplift the mind to the spiritual figure. The dejected positioning of these figures in this artwork therefore juxtaposes this intent. As such, the question becomes whether we should solely turn to the Divine to heal the wounds of society that we have created ourselves. |
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Precious Scars
Abbey Macleod My Body of Work is about two things that have been broken that can be mended and strengthened. I have captured my personal experience of a back condition ‘Scoliosis’ by incorporating my x-ray post surgery. While gruesome, the rods and screws have been placed to strengthen and straighten my spine and alleviate pain. The connection with the land is also a personal experience as my Nan has been impacted by the drought. During this time the farm was seen to be at its worst. This year has been a year of growth and rejuvenation of the farm. Large amounts of rainfall have changed the earth from a broken landscape, strengthening it to once again prosper. I have incorporated reference to the Japanese practice of Kintsugi “golden repair”. Cracks in pottery are filled with gold. To me this symbolizes celebrating imperfections and the concept of acceptance of change. The gold has been used as a symbol of strength and hope. |
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Headstrong
Aimee McArthur When someone faces a tragic accident and has physical changes to their body the journey to recovery can be difficult. For some the journey is smooth and straight forward and for others it is a long and difficult path to recovery. In most cases people find the difficult side of their recovery is not the physical but is the mental challenges. Due to the struggles with mental health they find it very difficult to accept that people are caring or trying to help. |
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This artwork shows that some people are hard to break, just like a helmet is hard to damage. A helmet reduces the risk of brain injuries but they can not reduce the risk of anxiety and depression that can come after an accident. This can be more damaging then the actual physical injuries.
This artwork is to show that people who are strong headed as a helmet can be facing more difficult
problems and going through a lot worse
This artwork is to show that people who are strong headed as a helmet can be facing more difficult
problems and going through a lot worse
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Wistful
Chelsea Panetta Wistful, yearning, longing, pensive, melancholy. Time is of the essence, fleeting and waits for no one. Conversely, Covid-19 commands we stop, slow down, ponder and reflect. My inspiration was drawn from my travels to Europe. Due to Covid-19, I don't know when I can return and I am filled with frustration of waiting and a longing for those wonderful adventures. The painting encapsulates the uncertainty of the future and the melancholy for the past. I chose to highlight the grandeur of the castle window with the thick, textured curtains and rolling plains of Spain, which were then juxtaposed with the smooth sky and interior. The fields, inspired by Lloyd Rees’ Australian landscapes, reminded me of the countryside of Spain. This blend between Australian and European landscapes raises the idea that the figure may be at home and wishes they were travelling, or travelling and missing home and can’t travel back. |
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How To Be A Man (with pictures)
"Step 1: Grow a pair"
"Step 2: Boys, don't cry"
Teji Pastor
Being a man means to mask your feelings. Being a man means that you will act a certain way. We are expected to ‘behave’ this way. Social expectations become commandments. These ‘commandments’ become toxic which creates a poisonous culture called “Being a Man”.
Universally, I think we have difficulties expressing ourselves because of these expectations. This issue is sown early from childhood and grows deep roots all the way into teenage years and adulthood.
“Don’t be a bitch”... “Pink is for girls”... “Boys don’t cry”... or more recently, “Don’t be a wimp”. We listen to these phrases. We then grow up to become emotionally blind from the toxicity later in life.
"Step 1: Grow a pair"
"Step 2: Boys, don't cry"
Teji Pastor
Being a man means to mask your feelings. Being a man means that you will act a certain way. We are expected to ‘behave’ this way. Social expectations become commandments. These ‘commandments’ become toxic which creates a poisonous culture called “Being a Man”.
Universally, I think we have difficulties expressing ourselves because of these expectations. This issue is sown early from childhood and grows deep roots all the way into teenage years and adulthood.
“Don’t be a bitch”... “Pink is for girls”... “Boys don’t cry”... or more recently, “Don’t be a wimp”. We listen to these phrases. We then grow up to become emotionally blind from the toxicity later in life.
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Me and Uncle Bill
Kobe Bryant
Ethan Pearce-Daley
When I was a boy I loved going fishing and camping with uncle Bill and talking to him about my dad. He was always there for me when I was sad. He makes me laugh. He is the best uncle in the world and he is my best friend. I love to spend time with my family at camp.
I love to play basketball because Kobe Bryant played it and he is a legend. He was a loving father and
a loving husband to his family. He and his daughter died in a helicopter crash. They will be
remembered and they will be missed.
Kobe Bryant
Ethan Pearce-Daley
When I was a boy I loved going fishing and camping with uncle Bill and talking to him about my dad. He was always there for me when I was sad. He makes me laugh. He is the best uncle in the world and he is my best friend. I love to spend time with my family at camp.
I love to play basketball because Kobe Bryant played it and he is a legend. He was a loving father and
a loving husband to his family. He and his daughter died in a helicopter crash. They will be
remembered and they will be missed.
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Pride, Power, Ambush
Rashmi Perera
War is destructive. War is prideful. War denotes power.
My artwork explores the effect of civil wars on nations, and in particular uses my home-country, Sri Lanka.
The tiger and the lion snarl at one another. A sonorous growl that threatens to erupt into violent conflict. These symbols are representative of the two feuding sides in the Sri Lankan civil War: The Sri Lankan army and the LTTE and their political ideologies/ extremist views that pervade Sri Lankan society. The space between them conveys the consequent spiritual and physical disconnect felt by civilians.
By using large, intimidating animals I wanted to weigh upon the idea of arrogance and unflinching ideologies that aren’t willing to change. This idea of letting pride blind individuals from achieving reconciliation. By the same concept, the ethnic fabrics which drape over the face in the self portrait is reflective of how individuals romanticise war, often hiding behind the richness of culture to avoid confronting its terrors. The sadness in the expression communicates the feelings of powerlessness the next generation of Sri Lankans feel as this disunity and prejudiced culture is being continued.
Finally, I want my artworks to highlight the need for resolution post conflict, bringing to light the concept of unity in a nation.
Rashmi Perera
War is destructive. War is prideful. War denotes power.
My artwork explores the effect of civil wars on nations, and in particular uses my home-country, Sri Lanka.
The tiger and the lion snarl at one another. A sonorous growl that threatens to erupt into violent conflict. These symbols are representative of the two feuding sides in the Sri Lankan civil War: The Sri Lankan army and the LTTE and their political ideologies/ extremist views that pervade Sri Lankan society. The space between them conveys the consequent spiritual and physical disconnect felt by civilians.
By using large, intimidating animals I wanted to weigh upon the idea of arrogance and unflinching ideologies that aren’t willing to change. This idea of letting pride blind individuals from achieving reconciliation. By the same concept, the ethnic fabrics which drape over the face in the self portrait is reflective of how individuals romanticise war, often hiding behind the richness of culture to avoid confronting its terrors. The sadness in the expression communicates the feelings of powerlessness the next generation of Sri Lankans feel as this disunity and prejudiced culture is being continued.
Finally, I want my artworks to highlight the need for resolution post conflict, bringing to light the concept of unity in a nation.
Luz en la Oscuridad (Light in the Darkness)
Mary Charlize Rodriguez
Time and time again, we have lived through detrimental fires, floods, desertification, poverty and
pandemics; all of which affects our sense of wellbeing one way or another.
I have always taught myself to appreciate the goodness of life. Hence, I have taken this opportunity as
an artist to help ourselves see situations with a glimmer of hope - through the beauty in the faces of
the children amidst the flood; to enlighten people to be grateful for what we have and what we could
provide.
And if I can teach people to have a steadfast morale and reflect the beauty of their journey, together,
we can have a world without despair, a world with a prosperous future, and a world where children will
have smiles on their faces.
For there will be a rainbow after the storm.
Dedicated to: Perlas ng Silanganan (Pearl of the Orient Seas)
Photograph by: Mr. Thomas Tham
Mary Charlize Rodriguez
Time and time again, we have lived through detrimental fires, floods, desertification, poverty and
pandemics; all of which affects our sense of wellbeing one way or another.
I have always taught myself to appreciate the goodness of life. Hence, I have taken this opportunity as
an artist to help ourselves see situations with a glimmer of hope - through the beauty in the faces of
the children amidst the flood; to enlighten people to be grateful for what we have and what we could
provide.
And if I can teach people to have a steadfast morale and reflect the beauty of their journey, together,
we can have a world without despair, a world with a prosperous future, and a world where children will
have smiles on their faces.
For there will be a rainbow after the storm.
Dedicated to: Perlas ng Silanganan (Pearl of the Orient Seas)
Photograph by: Mr. Thomas Tham
Karmageddon
Jessica Ryan
Karmageddon is an artwork that provides the audience with the ending to a story.
If in the future, society forgets long lasting worldly morals, karma will greet us potentially leading us on a path to armageddon (a dramatic and catastrophic conflict, likely to destroy the world).
The symbolism of a commercial giant at a sacred site hints at a moral decay that leaves many questions unanswered for the viewer. This encourages the audience to ask and answer their own questions, such as what are the intentions of the man in the biohazard suit, what if different political decisions were made, and how far in the future may this occur?
The Australian context creates more of a personal and spiritual connection with the viewer, as the sacred site is incorporated, but has become commodified due to a fast food chain being built. Even though the building has fallen to rubble, the street sign is still standing tall, and acts as a beacon symbolising a future where our miss-placed priorities lead us down an unrelenting path.
Jessica Ryan
Karmageddon is an artwork that provides the audience with the ending to a story.
If in the future, society forgets long lasting worldly morals, karma will greet us potentially leading us on a path to armageddon (a dramatic and catastrophic conflict, likely to destroy the world).
The symbolism of a commercial giant at a sacred site hints at a moral decay that leaves many questions unanswered for the viewer. This encourages the audience to ask and answer their own questions, such as what are the intentions of the man in the biohazard suit, what if different political decisions were made, and how far in the future may this occur?
The Australian context creates more of a personal and spiritual connection with the viewer, as the sacred site is incorporated, but has become commodified due to a fast food chain being built. Even though the building has fallen to rubble, the street sign is still standing tall, and acts as a beacon symbolising a future where our miss-placed priorities lead us down an unrelenting path.
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As the Generation Continues....
Caitlin Ryman “Children Learn More By Who You Are, Than What You Teach” Strong parental influences are rapidly declining. With the amount of divorces rising from a recent statement of every 1 in 3 marriages per 1000 people ending in the courtroom. Leaving children left with a splitting image of role models. The type of post-separation conflict that has been found to have the worst effect on children is that which occurs when parents use children to express their anger and hostility. Children who are placed in the middle of their parents’ dispute (by either parent) are more likely to be angry, stressed, depressed or anxious, and have poorer relationships with their parents than children who are not used in this way. My Body of Work is a personal piece created solely to present the overwhelming amount of inspiration my parents play within my day-to-day life. The pictures chosen hold 20 years worth of memories. With the idea of the giraffes chosen due to their strong familial trait to always stand together no matter what. My parents hold extremely strong recognition to the woman I am today, as they have taught me how to stand tall and always keep my head high. Encouraging me to take every opportunity as it comes, and they are always supportive of my decisions. I am extremely fortunate to have my parents for who they are and for what they continue teaching me every single day. The fragility of relationships and the extent behind a strong family bond. I continue following each day with an enormous amount of gratitude behind how my parents demonstrate life and the precious memories it creates. How do you want your children to continue your memories in the next generation?... |
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Daddy’s Little Narcissist
Kyla Turner
We live in a narcissistic world, we are a selfish generation filled with the desire to express our success through the luxurious items we possess.
I decided to represent our materialistic desire through the depiction of a small child throwing a tantrum. The only thing that will shut her up is the excessive Chanel dummy. We are literally feeding her materialism.
The title ‘Daddy’s little Narcissist’ further elaborates on this idea of children growing up spoiled in an already self-centered society.
Kyla Turner
We live in a narcissistic world, we are a selfish generation filled with the desire to express our success through the luxurious items we possess.
I decided to represent our materialistic desire through the depiction of a small child throwing a tantrum. The only thing that will shut her up is the excessive Chanel dummy. We are literally feeding her materialism.
The title ‘Daddy’s little Narcissist’ further elaborates on this idea of children growing up spoiled in an already self-centered society.
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Behind the Mask
Elsie Scullard
The mask of masculinity is a mask, that is wearing me - Joe Talbot
From a young age boys are told they need to be tough, no crying, they just need to man up, they are not allowed to show any emotion that would deem them weak. They have to have these muscular, tall, built figures - too skinny and they’ll be called a wimp. They must conform to fit into this small box that society calls the ideal man.
These slurs and expectations are meant to be the foundation of what these young men should value in their lives. Society has told them exactly how they should be - anything more, anything less and they will be looked down upon and castover by those they need approval from.
As a result of these expectations all feelings and emotions that have been deemed unacceptable by society are often suppressed and bottled up and while they may look and act according to societal expectation, the damage done is not always able to be seen.
Masculinity has broken too many men and in turn needs to be broken and rebuild highlighting the beauty within.
Elsie Scullard
The mask of masculinity is a mask, that is wearing me - Joe Talbot
From a young age boys are told they need to be tough, no crying, they just need to man up, they are not allowed to show any emotion that would deem them weak. They have to have these muscular, tall, built figures - too skinny and they’ll be called a wimp. They must conform to fit into this small box that society calls the ideal man.
These slurs and expectations are meant to be the foundation of what these young men should value in their lives. Society has told them exactly how they should be - anything more, anything less and they will be looked down upon and castover by those they need approval from.
As a result of these expectations all feelings and emotions that have been deemed unacceptable by society are often suppressed and bottled up and while they may look and act according to societal expectation, the damage done is not always able to be seen.
Masculinity has broken too many men and in turn needs to be broken and rebuild highlighting the beauty within.
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Kathakali (Story Play)
Sandra Vadakanchery Kathakali is a form of Indian classical dance performed by various characters through expressive facial expressions and elaborate hand gestures called mudras. Although it is a tradition with a long history, the stories conveyed remain relevant to contemporary society. A person’s identity, in every way, is defined by their cultural background, reflected in their thoughts, behaviour and actions. My artwork aims to promote cultural awareness and explore the issue of identity crisis which comes with my lack of ability to connect with traditional roots. The Kathakali artist represents how within a cultural frame an individual is able to express and be themselves, whilst the subject on the left is unable to; engulfed by the darkness. The idea of bringing the Kathakali artist into the artwork personally allows me to communicate the impact of not embracing your traditions and the loss of identity and the inability to express yourself that can come as a result. |
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Drifting: Silent Night Thoughts
Chatchawarn Visetsiri I often think that the night is more alive and more richly coloured than the day. - Vincent van Gogh Moving halfway across the world has been one of the best experiences, but it has also taken a toll on me and my other relationships. In the really tough moments, I keep reminding myself that that’s life. It throws you a curve that you weren’t expecting. And even though it’s hard, somehow at the same time, it has made my life better for many other reasons. Every year, releasing a sky lantern (Khom Loi) is one of the traditional festivals in Thailand. This tradition is considered good luck, and many Thai people believe that the practice is symbolic of sending their hopes and worries into the sky on a silent night. I have annexed this idea by using the sky lantern as my message, sending them to all my family and friends back in Thailand. I’ve included the technology of the headphones, which has really helped me with feeling left behind. The headphones help me to assimilate a quiet and private moment into my life, just as if I’m releasing each sky lantern. As I raise my head and think of home in Thailand, my mind is drifting: silent night thoughts. |
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