ArtExpress

At the Art Gallery of NSW

written by Josephine Zucco - Year 9

The Art Gallery of NSW excursion was a journey of a lifetime.  When we initially arrived, we were greeted by the massive columns that lined the museum building  and to that, a staircase that led to the entry.

The whole experience felt as if we were treated like Greek gods -  entering a palace of art, emotion and creativity.  During our tour around ArtExpress we were inspired by the many different variations of art styles, ideas and the opinions made by Year 12 Visual Arts students.   It was awe inspiring and exciting.

We met with pages of visual art books, ripped out and put onto the main wall.  On the opposite side, we were acknowledged by the many varieties of art styles and creations, many of which signified controversy, stereotypes, hardship, memory, mirrored movements and a realization that was based around certain perspectives.  This selection of Visual Arts Process Diaries (VAPDs) from exhibiting students in ArtExpress offered insight into the way individual students process and develop ideas for final bodies of work.

Each artist  featured had an amazing connection and perspective on a context of life and a realization that held an expressive and emotive effect on their artwork.  We were amazed by the way the art came to life and brought up controversy, emotional belief and disbelief and a connection to the past that expressed longed memories. We loved that each artwork held its own unique medium and pasted a different opinion on its design.  We loved that some artworks held a modern twist, incorporating modern technology and human/animal society to create a unique but impressive work of art.  Some artworks featured a horror-based background and some artworks were built on stereotypes.  Honestly, at the end of ArtExpress, we couldn’t help but get lost in the creativity of each artwork. We wanted to stay and immerse ourselves with each art.  

We then looked at the ages of art where we were introduced to late painting of early kings, queens, muses, art based around warfare form the middle ages and sexual desires of intimate partners. We encountered sculptures carved from marble and stone and were introduced to different opinions of aged art - such as the motion of one’s self and the refined, poised manner from prior and more superior monarchs. Upon this, we moved to the Aboriginal art section where we were uplifted by the many different fluctuations of Aboriginal Art.  We were inspired by the way artists used natural mediums in their works. These natural mediums included things such as wood from log wood cuts and natural paints. The Aboriginal arts were inspiring as we enjoyed the freedom and peace that was displayed through each artwork. Along with freedom,  we saw pain and grief along with misdirection and agony. Each art piece held an emotion created by the artist that motivated and inspired all of us to give life everything we've got and to be grateful for what we have.

In essence, the Art Gallery of New South Wales was phenomenal!  Each artwork was given a story and an opinion that changed and altered our perceptions of what art is and what it can be.  We realised that there is so much beauty and experience in art and artforms, so much so, that we have a better view of art and how it is expressed.

Ms C Mandalakoudis,  Year 9 Creative & Performing Arts teacher