Visual Art

The Year 8 Visual Art classes have been putting their wood carving and printmaking skills to the test in the art classroom this semester! Our brand-new printing press has been a fantastic addition to the art room, and the students have been putting it to work with all their amazing wood carvings.

The West Australian Pulse

Tagged Labels

Sebastian A, Year 12

Our very own Year 12 General Visual Art student Seb A has been selected as part of this year's The West Australian Pulse for his painting Tagged Labels. This is a wonderful achievement for Seb.

About the work:

Tagged Labels is my self-portrait set in a back alley in Fremantle, featuring a simple doorway covered in urban street art. This scene reflects my personal experiences and identity, using the visual language of street culture. In the artwork, I'm depicted in casual streetwear, looking up at the graffiti that layers the wall. I wanted to capture the creativity that's so common in many Australian urban spots where young people hang out. I hope viewers bring their own experiences to the piece as they interpret both the youth and the graffiti-covered wall, making it a complex reflection on identity. Inspired by Perth artist Khashayar Salmanzadeh and the tradition of large-scale portraiture, I experimented with oil on board. Some parts of the artwork are detailed, while others are more abstract, using texture and text to express my ideas.

My goal is to create a space for introspection, inviting people from all walks of life to think about what it means to be young, how our experiences shape who we are, and what it truly means to be human. Through this piece, I want to join the ongoing conversation about our shared reality, encouraging deeper thoughts about identity and existence in today's world.

The West Australian Pulse is an annual exhibition that celebrates young artists from schools across Western Australia, showcasing the pulse of young people who will influence, empower and shape the world we live in. Seb’s work and other selected works provide a window into young people’s private, social and artistic concerns. It is an inspiring, rewarding and insightful look at the world through the minds of WA’s most talented young artists.

The exhibition will be held at the Art Gallery of Western Australia from 3 May – 20 July 2025. More information can be found on the Art Gallery of WA website.

Lauren Gissing

Visual Arts Technician