The Arts

TRACY SARROFF

Acting Head of Arts

Arts Show

On Monday the 14th of October, Arts students representing all sub-schools from Prep through to Year 12 celebrated their creativity along the corridors, classrooms, gallery space and Arrowsmith Centre. Students of Visual Art, Media, Studio Arts and Visual Communication were exhibiting on the night, showcasing the diverse array of talent across all art forms. Food was everywhere, music was played and refreshments were provided. Principal, Mr Mark Robertson, Head of Arts, Mrs Elise Zijai and our Arts Captains delivered inspiring speeches, during which time prize winners were awarded.

Our meritorious students received nominations, and will be presented their certificates at our next school assembly. Congratulations to all students who received nominations, and the following prize winners and honourable mentions:

Junior School

Prize winners:

Feiyu Zhu, Grade 4

Eva Bakalis, Grade 2

Honourable mentions:

Zoe Atzis, Grade 5

Inayat Sandhu, Grade 1

Magdalene Hrisovergis, Grade PZ

Middle School

Prize winners:

Samuel Bridson, Year 7

Stephanie Burnett, Year 9

Honourable mentions:

Phoenix Shi, Year 8

Maria Sidiropoulos, Year 9

Lachlan Abbott, Year 9

Senior School

Prize winners:

Alexander Barnard, Year 10

Zach Smyrnis, Year 12

Honourable mentions:

Peter Karkanis, Year 10

Rui Li, Year 10

Harrison Dimopoulos, Year 12

We are proud of our diverse and rigorous Arts program at Oakleigh Grammar. Thank you to our dedicated staff and students for making the Art Show a wonderful success.

Year 10 Visual Art excursion

Visiting art galleries forms an important component of the Visual Arts curriculum, and enriches students’ understanding of course content, alongside the wider value of arts and culture.

This week, Year 10 Visual Art students attended the National Gallery Victoria to view the all engaging KAWS (a.k.a Brian Donnelly) exhibition, “Companionship in the Age of Loneliness”. The exhibition is full of humour, hope and humanity, celebrating KAWS' ability to connect with broad audiences. Universal feelings of isolation and loneliness through his work, is a personal reaction to the turbulent world we live in today. KAWS’ larger-than-life sculptures are playful, toy-like figures; however, upon looking closer they reveal a fragility and darkness in the vulnerable poses of the characters.

Students attended an accompanying lecture, aimed at unravelling these ideas explored throughout the artist’s vibrant career that spans street art, fashion, advertising, branding, cartoons and the fine arts. The lecture also aimed to develop skills in inquiry, analysis, and communication.

Later in the day, students toured the permanent collection expanding art and antiquities, from ancient civilizations to the current day across all corners of the globe.

Gallery exhibitions are always open to the public, and often free of charge. I encourage families and students to visit again on weekends and during term breaks. Please check the website for open hours and access.

For more information on the KAWS exhibit visit:

https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/kaws/