Top Arts achievement

Congratulations Yianni and Charles

In more pleasing news from our 2017, cohort, Studio Art students Yianni Rowlands and Charles Robert have been selected from thousands of entrants exhibit in this year’s Top Arts at the NGV Ian Potter centre.  

This is the first time a Northcote High student has received this accolade,  let alone two students. For over twenty years, this popular exhibition has presented outstanding work by students who have completed Art or Studio Arts studies in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), providing insight into young people's ideas, thinking and creative practices.

Yianni and Charlie have been able to show case and represent the creative skill and talent that is so evident in many Northcote High students. This outstanding achievement by the two artists builds upon their creative achievements in other disciplines.

Yianni’s win in the junior Trop Fest 2016 with ‘Chess People” (watch it here) and Charlie’s work in VCE media and Graphic Design is indicative of the important role Northcote High plays in the arts within the greater Northcote area which is a centre for creativity in Melbourne.

Jerome Rush

Studio Art teacher

Yianni and Charles' work

Here is a summary of the ideas and concepts they explored throughout the year.

Charles Robert:

My fascination of ‘Extra-terrestrial life on Earth’ begun when I received an incredibly intricate, plastic figure of the Alien from the film ‘Alien’ for my 10th birthday. The pure absurdity and creative genius behind the figurines’ design instantly had me obsessed; prompting my already weird, 10-year-old mind to draw similar, abstract characters in the back of grade 5 maths book. Therefore, naturally, when choosing my theme for this year, my inner grade 5 came forth, influencing my decision to explore the theme of ‘Extra-terrestrial Life on Earth’.

I chose to explore ideas of anthropomorphised aliens living happily on earth as it’s an idea that hasn’t been explored as much in art and media, therefore allowing me to create newer, more creative ideas in my art. I also saw this as a good platform for me to create surreal and humorous ideas that would suit my cartoon, cubistic style.

Yianni Rowlands:

Point(s) of Contact is the discussion of when, where, how and why contact is made. All these different aspects work harmony with each other even when in separate pieces. Within my theme I look at subjects such as mark making and emotional impact, included in the exploration of point(s) of contact. My primary aim was to explore the manipulation and reconceptualization of everyday objects, materials and processes. Studying spontaneity and movement through the creation process as referenced in my exploration proposal. 

More alumni success - congratulations Tom Hughes

Those of the Northcote High School community who know Thomas Hughes, our 2016 VCE Year 12 Vice-Captain, would be aware of his rounded personality and his bias for drama and media. Throughout his secondary school life, Tom was always in school productions and often one of the lead roles. In 2017, he has been studying a Bachelor of Film and Television at Swinburne University.

Thomas was awarded the 2016 Drama Student of the Year when he completed Year 12. You may remember an entry in last year’s newsletter which espoused the wonderful Solo performance examination, selected as one of the three in the state by the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority, to be in Top Acts at the Melbourne Recital Centre where Tom brought the house down in 2017.

Just prior Christmas, NIDA, The National Institute for the Dramatic Arts, phoned Thomas with a Christmas present. They had also identified his talent through a gruelling audition process which saw Tom compete with approximately two thousand hopefuls from around the country for a place in the prestigious course. Tom had prepared well for each of the auditions. They offered him one of the 24 places available in the course which focuses on this small group of students for three years in an acting and ensemble role.

Tom will be heading to Sydney and will start his NIDA course in February.

Congratulations are certainly in order for a wonderful performance by Tom… no matter what the role. From the school community and all those who have worked with you or been touched by you, we wish you well for the future.

Shirley Barbara

Drama teacher