The Arts

VISUAL ARTS

Pablo Picasso’s exhibition tells the story of his life which is also told through the eyes and art of his collaborators – the Cubist Georges Braque, Henri Rousseau, André Breton, Joan Miró. The exhibition immersed individuals in his surroundings, a journey through the long maze of Picasso's thoughts and emotions. 

This exhibition showcased many art mediums from Picasso's sketches, drawings and sculptures to his famous oil paintings, with other artists' works intertwined.  His well-known pieces like the weeping woman, in which only one of 5 paintings in the series was displayed, were a highlight. I had expected his Cubism to be one of the main styles though I was pleased to see works from many other art movements. I found one of his cubism pieces to be my personal favourite called “The Guitarist”, an oil painting created in the summer of 1910. Picasso’s use of texture and muted colour palette separated it from other works due to its uniqueness. This exhibition, is extensive and was filled with art that I, along with many others in Art Academy, only wished we had more time to appreciate and take in. 

Allegra Postiglioni 11G

Art Academy students from Year 7 to 11 went on an excursion to the Picasso Century exhibition at the NGV. The exhibition featuring many of Pablo Picasso’s famous works including paintings, sculptures and a variety of other mediums. Picasso’s work also explores a variety of styles, some of which Picasso co-founded. It was interesting for students to see the progression of Picasso’s work through different artistic styles, such as Cubism, Neoclassical and Surrealism. Alongside 80 artworks by Picasso, the exhibition showcases over 100 pieces by artists and other significant people which Picasso knew and who influenced his works. These included famous artists Salvador Dali, George Braque and many more. Some personal favourites among Art Academy students included both Picasso’s oil painting ‘The Guitarist’ and the ‘Portrait of a Woman – Portrait de Femme’. 

Thank you to Ms Sue Lyons and Ms Lorelle Evans for taking the time to arrange and take the Art Academy on this excursion. It has been a pleasure for Academy students to return to excursions and experience Melbourne’s vibrant artistic culture.   

Maddy Palmer 11B

Ms Lorelle Evans & Mr Martin McInerney Visual Arts Co-Learning Leaders

MUSIC 

Claudia Cover 

Arts Captain and Music Performance 

Claudia is currently studying Classical Solo singing as a Year 12 VCE subject. Claudia has displayed practical ability and passion in the Arts at Academy.  

I have asked Claudia to reflect on the journey and influence that music has made, throughout these secondary school years.

“As Arts Captain, I am surrounded by both music and performing arts students who are dedicated, inclusive, fun, and passionate about these subjects. Music at the Academy allows students to have something to strive towards and I would encourage all students who have an interest in music or the performing arts to look into music at the Academy, especially enrolling in instrumental lessons under the guidance of the Academy instrumental teachers, or possibly choosing the subject of music at a junior, intermediate or VCE level. When learning an instrument at the academy, you are given the opportunity to work towards AMEB exams, but also the opportunity to perform and present your talent and love for music to an audience. These performances are an amazing opportunity as they allow us to grow as a musician, become more confident within ourselves and help encourage those around us; learning from one another.”

Claudia has also compiled some comments from fellow music students, regarding Music at the Academy.

“The Academy Performing Arts program is an excellent way for students who are passionate about music to share and develop their talent alongside like-minded others. There are many performance opportunities, especially during class time and at recitals, which are great for students to show their improvement to peers and for parents to see progress from tuition. It is one of my most enjoyable subjects and it has definitely been an outlet for me alongside my other less performance based VCE subjects.”

Jasmine Sheridan Yr 12 Music Performance/contemporary voice 

“I really enjoy learning the trumpet at school and studying VCE Music. I enjoy performing for my peers, learning and growing as a musician and bettering myself as a soloist every day. I am privileged to play in the school ensembles with so many talented musicians and friends, who have the same interests as me.”

Harper Owen Yr 12 Music Performance/trumpet

“The Academy community comes together through music, as it is a big part of many school celebrations. Peer involvement and encouragement in music is amazing, and students participate in many different musical activities such as choirs, bands, and the school musical.

As a singer who is involved in VCE Music, I am passionate about working on developing my singing technique, to reach my full potential as a performer. I feel I am able to achieve this under the guidance of our amazing teachers, as well as having the support of my fellow peers, who are also involved within music and performing arts. Music at Academy is truly a friendly environment where people can share their passions with others.”

Claudia O’Neill Yr 12 Music Performance/contemporary voice

“As an Academy student who plays the bagpipes, an alternative instrument, I wasn’t sure if I was able to continue to play the instrument whilst studying music at high school. Fortunately, the Academy and its outstanding music department was not only more than happy to allow me to play the bagpipes at school straight away from the start of Year Seven, but also continues to strongly support my music endeavours outside of school. This has included encouraging me to perform at many school music events and recitals to strengthen my ability as a competitive musician and performer. I wouldn’t be playing at high level state, national and international competitions without these amazing opportunities.”

Maddy Palmer Yr 11 VCE Yr 12 Music Performance/bagpipes

The VCE music recital evening is occurring on Thursday 25 August. This concert provides each of the Year 12 music solo performance students, an opportunity to showcase the pieces that they have been studying. The concert is a great way for the students to perform for an audience of family, friends and peers, in preparation for the external solo practical examination recital in Term 4.

Ms Mirelle Morris

Co ordinator Instrumental Music