SACART WEEK 4

Year 9 and 10 - The Archibald Prize Excursion

On Friday 29th July, Mrs Kemal, Mr Chiapetta and I had the pleasure of taking our Year 9 and 10 Elective Visual Arts students to the Art Gallery of NSW. We were booked in to see the Archibald Competition, as well as the permanent collection and selected artworks from the Biennale of Sydney during our visit.

One of the things that stood out to our students was the size of the artworks as they were far bigger in real life. Students were fascinated to see the application of paint and textures shown on artworks. As we walked through the Sulman Prize, students were greeted by a series of postmodern artworks. It was interesting to read about students’ thoughts after our return as they were asked to consider “What did you find interesting?” and “What would you like to ask the artist?”.

The main event was the Archibald Prize and students busily used their phone cameras to capture images of the paintings as they completed the scavenger hunt activity. We were able to move through the exhibition slowly, giving plenty of time to read the artist statements and citations as well as to consider the different techniques used by different artists.

In addition to the focus of our day, we also had the opportunity to see the finalists of the Wynne Prize and the Aquilizan Studio, where artists Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan will be using the cardboard homes made by audiences into an installation artwork.  

The Archibald Prize Excursion by Lorraine Layug 9B5

On the 29th of July, years 9 and 10 indulge themselves in visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales in the city, accompanied by Mrs Harris, Mrs Kemal, and Mr Chiappetta. We began our trip by leaving the Junior Campus at 9 am, expecting to arrive by the gallery around 10 am. Once we got there we had a small break for recess, which allowed us to enjoy the sunny weather that day. 

Soon after, we headed into the building to view the main event, the ‘Archibald Prize'. The Archibald Prize is awarded annually to the best portrait, 'preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics, painted by any artist resident in Australasia’. The Archibald Prize was a topic studied by year 9s as their first unit during Terms one and start of Term two. It was so mesmerising that we were able to see all the artwork in real life and read some of the stories behind it. It allowed us to get a better understanding of all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes and helped us to recognise stories of our times. The Archibald Prize 2022 showcase was also accompanied by the ‘Young Archies’, ‘Wynne Prize 2022’ and ‘Sulman Prizes 2022’.

After the main exhibition we walked around and viewed some of the permanent collections around the gallery, which gave us a little glimpse of art throughout history. To end the day we all ate at a cafe under the warm sun and cool breeze. 

Year 9 Visual Arts

Year 9 Visual Arts students are preparing to finalise their next artmaking task; a Body of Work in a medium of their choice which references their study of a Pop Art artist. In their artworks, students researched current popular culture and considered how media, fashion and food play a role in our society today. It is wonderful to see their choice of themes and use of material as they independently navigate their artmaking practice. I look forward to sharing their finished artworks with our community shortly!