Visual Arts  

Top Shots 2026 - exciting news to finish the year! 

I am thrilled to share with everyone some exciting news that James Panchmatia's (Year 12) artwork has been selected for the 2026 exhibition Top Shots, held annually by the Museum of Australian Photography. His series of photographs titled 'So many stories you’ll just never hear' will be viewed by thousands of students and members of the public. The exhibition runs from 11 March – 4 May 2026, with its official opening ceremony and awards night on 17 March. We're all incredibly proud of James' hard work this year!

So many stories you'll never hear

James Panchmatia 

Year 10 3D Art – Installation Art

In 3D Art this semester, the year 10s were given the ambitious task of creating Installation Artworks around the school grounds. 

Collaborating in groups, students applied the Creative Practice by exploring and investigating artists practicing in the fields of Kinetic Art and Ephemeral/Land Art, exploring ideas and issues which could be conveyed through their art, experimenting with artforms and resolving artworks which students got to interact with over the course of a few days. 

The works produced were diverse, thought provoking and visually impactful, as each group tackled various themes such and environmental impacts of society, human and social connection, mythologies and childhood.

One groups' work consisted of several plaster faces, and other miscellaneous objects suspended from a single thread, wrapping itself around a communal outdoor space. The work, inspired by Chiaru Shiota’s own installations, reflects how individuals are shaped by society, and how in turn they help to shape society. 

Another group investigated the impacts urban expansion is having on the natural world, having the audience question their own complicity or how they can change their personal impact. Inspired by Andy Goldsworthy’s ephemeral, time-based pieces, the group constructed their work using twigs, leaves and branches which stood out boldly amongst the senior down ball courts. 

Other groups delve into themes of fantasy, mythology and childhood. Outside the library, a small hut made of leaves and twigs popped up, full of lollies for students to take, while outside the canteen, a large dragon constructed of rocks and grasses sprawled itself along the decking. Hidden amongst the trees, a small, assembled warrior, constructed from discarded mannequin parts and cardboard, sits proudly on their swing, gently swaying with the breeze. 

Some students encouraged more direct participation from audiences. Suspending crocheted wool and a school jumper onto a fence, the group asked their peers to write their thoughts on a small card and to add it to the assemblage. Some students expressed their feelings toward life, school and friendship while others provided readily available philosophical advice, fostering a sense of inclusion.

The pop-up exhibition of works proved popular with students and staff alike. Great work on creating such ambitious, thoughtful and unique works.

Christopher Henson

Visual Arts Teacher

Year 9 -Impressionism Inspired Landscapes 

 During Term 4, our Year 9 Art students were fortunate to take part in a special workshop with artist Farimah Eshraghi. Farimah responded to our call-out through the Guest Artist Program, which was established in 2024, where practicing artists are invited into our classrooms to share their knowledge and creative process with students.

In this session, Farimah demonstrated how to create an Impressionist-inspired landscape painting, guiding students through techniques and approaches used in this style. Her voluntary workshop was incredibly valuable, and students gained a great deal from the experience.

Artist of the Week 

Each week we celebrate the work of enthusiastic artists. 

Congratulations to Ambra Mazza of 9A! Ambra has been selected as a KSC Artist of the Week and was nominated for Artist of the Week by Art Teacher, Ms Briffa.  Ambre worked on this art piece with dedication, self motivation and the ability to capture the inspirations from the Impressionist Movement. 

Well done Ambra! 

Please read what Ambra has written to describe her art piece.

I used the impressionists as inspiration for my artwork by observing impressionist paintings and trying to replicate the same techniques and colour palettes onto my artwork. While researching, I noticed that impressionists rarely used black. They predominantly gravitated towards lighter colour palettes, using vibrant colours instead of the previously used traditional, duller colours. I included this in my painting. My understanding of impressionistic techniques was also aided by the videos and practices we did in class. The most important thing I took from my learning was the use of blue for shadows instead of browns and blacks. This was important and relevant to me because I relied on it for the majority of the shadows in my painting.

Year 8 Art 

In Year 8 Art students created an artwork centred around the theme of people and technology, exploring the similarities and/or difference between these two themes. Students explored and developed a range of watercolour painting practices and used a variety of techniques to each produce an individual and unique artwork. 

Helen Briffa

Visual Arts/Technology Teacher

Visual Arts Domain PLC Leader