From the Head of Visual Arts

Year 8 Visual Arts adventure to the Cultural Centre in Katoomba to see the exhibition Disruptor

This exciting exhibition highlighted issues that we have been exploring in class, making art to communicate a message to activate change in your audience. Students learnt about the work of artist Scott Marr, who we studied and visited BMGS in Term 1. Exploring his observations of humanity’s impact on the natural world.

Blue Mountains artist Scott Marr one of exhibitors, his work ‘A wake to disconnect’ is his final piece for the Disruptor project, his work forms a tribute to the hanging swamps that surround the decommissioned tip at Ridgewell Street in Blackheath. Marr states that the most profound thing he has learnt during this process was the incredible strength and ingenuity of nature. Amplifying his disconnection from a throwaway society.

Freedom Wilson, a parent of Zoe Yr 12, co curated the exhibition with Justin Morrissey. She spent time weekly drawing the subject of plant rescues. Each artist involved in the exhibition explores their own reflection on the natural environments we coexist. Highlighting pressing matters such as native species adapting to changing habitats triggered by climate change.

BMGS parent and artist Emma Magenta explored an inquiry into truths with her work ‘Awake in the Dream’. She invited the audience to interact and add their contributions of visions and hopes for Mother Earth.

For many students this was their first Art Gallery experience. As a teacher I was very interested to hear their descriptions, observations, connections and questions. Students following the protocol of writing a SEE, THINK, WONDER response to three artworks they found interesting.

Claire Stewart Year 8 would like to share with you her thoughts.

‘Waterfall Gift’ by Caroline Giniuas is made up of one centrepiece and four smaller canvases that each communicate an idea about the main theme of water. Waterfall Gift the central artwork represents the beauty of water and demonstrates, through the patterns and colours, used the peace and calmness that water brings to us. The second artwork depicts water raining down in a cave onto lush greenery. It shows us the ‘feel’ of the cave; the depth, the quiet, the serenity that goes with it. In the last two paintings, the calm and vibrancy of the water is communicated through the artist’s choice of colour. Overall, the artworks speak of water’s beauty, peacefulness, freedom, depth and vibrancy communicated through the use of pattern, colour, composition and symbolism. All aspects of the artwork encompass water and how it makes the viewer feel.

I would like to thank the Council who sponsored this valuable exhibition which provoked community conversation about a topic that affects all of us. It encourages us all to live lightly, gently and responsibly and think about what we want to leave for future generations.

Sally Herron

Head of Visual Arts

Save the Date:

22nd November: Art and Design Awards and Exhibition, Sponsored by Dr Ken Marshall