The Arts

ACCA - Five Acts of Love Exhibition

On the 1 July, Art Academy had the incredible opportunity of exploring the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art’s new exhibition; ‘Five Acts of Love’, curated by Nur Shkembi. The exhibition showcases the works of twelve local and international artists, revolving around the ‘five acts’: resistance, revolution, intimacy, memory and annihilation.  Each work explores aspects of love that are viewed as non-traditional, opening our perspectives to reflect upon a wider world of love. 

Throughout the exhibition we observed ideas of parental and familial love, love of land, platonic love, and spiritual love for the divine. 

“Love is reckless, not reason.

Reason seeks a profit.

Love comes on strong, consuming herself, unabashed.

Yet, in the midst of suffering,

Love proceeds like a millstone,

Hard-surfaced and straightforward.

Having died to self-interest,

She risks everything and asks for nothing.

Love gambles away every gift God bestows.

Without cause God gave us Being; 

without cause, give it back again.”     

- Jalāl al-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, Mathnawi VI 1967-74

This extract, translated by Kabir Helminski, is a poem presenting one’s perspective on love.  The simplistic nature of the work really spoke to us with its spiritual sense, proving that you don’t need a lot to create a work that moves the viewer and holds a strong message.

The immersive experience offered both a viewing and practical experience, as we were able to create our own collages using an assortment of materials ranging from metallic paper to magazine covers, incorporating our own take on the theme of love. We can’t wait to see each student's astounding artworks displayed around the school, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the same wonderful experience of expressing and accepting love and all that comes with it. 

Matilda Waller 11 R and Anita Mrkonjic 11G

Ms Lorelle Evans

Visual Arts Learning Leader 

Triple Threat – A New Pathway in Performing Arts!

This semester marks the exciting launch of Triple Threat, a dynamic new Year 9 subject that brings together dance, drama, and music students in a unique collaborative performance pathway.

Triple Threat offers students the opportunity to build their skills across all three disciplines as they work together to create and stage a full-scale musical production.  The inaugural production? Newsies Jr. – a high-energy, tap-infused Broadway hit that celebrates youth empowerment and the spirit of standing up for what's right.  We are currently in the midst of auditions, and the energy and enthusiasm in the room has been electric.  It is wonderful to see our talented students embracing the challenge with such commitment and joy.

Throughout the semester, students will rehearse with expert guest artists and specialist teachers, learning choreography, music and scenes that will culminate in a performance for the wider school community in Term 4.  This subject not only nurtures performance skills, but also fosters confidence, collaboration, and creativity – making it an invaluable stepping stone for students interested in the performing arts. 

We can’t wait to share the final product with you later this year.  Stay tuned!

Ms Olivia Hamilton

Performing Arts Learning Leader