Visual Art
2023 META Exhibition
Celebrating art, design, photography from our future creatives: an insight into the hearts and minds, dreams and fears of talented Year 11 and 12 students from Western Australian schools. The selected works cover a broad range of concerns and artistic practise from some of our most talented young artists.
On view:
Mon-Fri 11am-4.30pm
On till 03 August
Admission is free.
Jazmin McKechnie
Head of Department (Visual Art)
Angelico Art Exhibition
The Angelico Exhibition is a prestigious art exhibition for Catholic students from all across Western Australia. The Angelico Exhibition is named after Blessed Fra Angelico, Patron before God of Artists. This year, the secondary Angelico Exhibition will celebrate its 30th year.
The artworks will be exhibited at the Forrest Centre, Perth from Monday 7 August to Friday 25 August. Mazenod College is proud to feature 6 entries in the exhibition which includes the work of over 30 students ranging from Year 7-12. After the completion of the exhibition, a 3D virtual tour of the exhibition will be available on the website. Below is a short description of each submission.
Capturing Flavour
Year 7B & 7D
Left to Right:
Top Row: Nic R, Cooper S, Chad F, Alfie B, Xavier N.
2nd row: Ethan L, Dominic B, Cameron M, Luke M, Joshua W.
3rd row: Heath L, Jack G, Aydan T, Cameron K.
4th Row: Xavier T, Jackson G, Lex S, Orson B.
5th Row: Nate G, Nicholas L, Alex K, Bailey L.
6th Row: Oheneba O, Trigger D, Remy N, Harrison N, Riley H.
7th Row Jesse B, Ben D, Harrison N, Felix O.
Artists Statement
Our Year 7 Visual Art class explored the vibrant and graphic quality of the pop art movement. The paintings showcase the significance of everyday objects, specifically food and drink items, paying homage to local Perth artist Elisha McGurkin's style. We carefully considered composition, experimenting with patterns and colour theory. Each student chose their own food/drink items aiming to capture the essence of that item. Incorporating the boldness and simplicity in pop art, our artworks aim to evoke joy, nostalgia and appreciation for the unnoticed. We hope viewers find beauty in the ordinary and embrace small pleasures.
Illuminated Nature
Connor O.
Year 8
Artist Statement
My ceramic artwork, an animal light bulb holder/lamp, merges form and function, inspired by the textures and posture of bears. "The Great British Pottery Throwdown '' provided valuable insights into diverse approaches, fueling my creative process. Using various clay building methods, I meticulously crafted the sculpture, focusing on the bear's upright stance. Applying underglaze and employing the sgraffito technique, I carved intricate patterns, capturing the essence of the bear's fur. A radiant glaze adds luminosity, reflecting the bear's spirit. With a lightbulb installed, the sculpture becomes a functional light holder, emanating warmth and illumination.
Embracing Identity
Elijah T.
Year 9
Artist Statement
My diptych artwork, "Embracing Identity," explores portraiture and colour theory. Through a graphite grid drawing and an acrylic painting inspired by Francois Nielly, we capture our subject's essence with vibrant colours.
We carefully consider composition, tone and placement to create compelling portraits. Bold brushstrokes and transformative colours push traditional boundaries.
Colour theory enhances emotional impact. Selecting and manipulating colours conveys depth and individuality, adding meaning to our art.
My diptych embodies technical skill, exploration and interpretation. It celebrates individuality through vibrant portraiture and colour.
Tradition and Modernity
Clay M
Year 11
Artist Statement
In my artwork I explore the theme of “modern versus historical” imagery, focusing on masculinity. Using oil on board, I juxtapose a male bodybuilder with a classical artwork featuring angel wings and soft clouds. I aim to question how the ideal male form has evolved over time. By bringing together the muscular bodybuilder and the serenity of angelic imagery, I invite viewers to reflect on shifting standards of masculinity throughout history.
The medium of oil on board allows me to emphasise the contrast between the contemporary and the classical. The texture and luminosity of the medium enhance the visual tension between the bodybuilder's physique and the ethereal elements. This contrast prompts viewers to consider the dialogue between traditional beauty ideals and our current understanding of the male body. I hope my artwork encourages viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty, masculinity and the ever-changing nature of art .
March for Change: A Portrait of Martin Luther King
Joshua M
Year 12
Artist Statement
In my artwork, "March for Change: A Portrait of Martin Luther King," I draw inspiration from the profound influence of Kehinde Wiley's portrait style. Wiley's ability to infuse his subjects with power and presence guided my approach to portraying Martin Luther King. Employing a decoupage technique, I embed newspaper articles chronicling King's activism, representing the historical context of his fight for justice. Overlaying these articles with white Lino ink, reminiscent of urban poster walls, echoes the visual language often associated with propaganda. This integration of Wiley's style and urban aesthetics underscores the urgent message of the ongoing struggle for equality.
Ema Dromaius the Modern Bird.
Max T
Year 12
Artist Statement
Racing through canola fields, spindle legs sprawl the ground with unpredictable intimacy, machine gun fire traces their trails with blue casings. Their every step erratic as movements dodge and weave, putting their assailant's Lewis gun to misery. I had always thought that emus were incredibly similar to humans, the modern bird - the modern man, quick, tall standing and always running from something; itself, gun fire, it didn’t matter. Canola streams upon bright oil yellow streaks as the modern bird sprints, unaware of its blue deconstructive wake. Its head always upturned, looking to the future. For the modern bird is a runner, and so is the modern man.
Lauren Gissing
Visual Arts Technician