Visual Arts & Technologies

Year 10 Art - Bringing Ancient World to Life 

Article by Oksana Rubacha, Senior School Visual Arts 

Our Year 10 Art students have recently completed a series of artworks inspired by Ancient Civilisations, demonstrating both creativity and a growing understanding of how art connects to history and culture. 

As part of their learning, students researched artistic traditions from cultures such as Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, exploring symbolism, mythology, architecture, and the representation of the human form. They then translated this knowledge into their own practical work, experimenting with drawing, painting, and mixed media techniques before developing a resolved artwork. 

The finished pieces showcase a wonderful range of interpretations, from powerful mythological scenes filled with movement and drama, to carefully observed studies of classical sculpture that highlight proportion and shading. Other students drew inspiration from ancient armour, hieroglyphics, and deities, thoughtfully incorporating pattern, line, and symbolic imagery into their artworks. Landscapes referencing Egyptian pyramids demonstrate an understanding of depth and atmosphere, while character-based works reveal confidence in storytelling through art. 

What is particularly pleasing is the way students combined research with imagination. Rather than copying historical works, they used Ancient Art as a starting point to develop their own visual responses, which is an important skill in creative practice. 

This unit has laid a strong foundation for the Semester, where students will continue to explore major art movements and apply the same process of research, experimentation, and artmaking. We look forward to seeing their skills grow as they further develop their artistic voice.