Year 8 Visual Arts incursion

Johnny Romeo is an international Australian painter. Considered Australia's leading Pop artist, Romeo’s artworks consist of various subjects, vibrant colourful comical vibes, and a street art style as well as a poetic union between imagery and word play. He often depicts his artworks based on contemporary life and the way we construct our identities from the vast array of images that pop culture immerses us in. 

Romeo completed his Bachelor’s degree in art education at College of Fine Arts in Sydney and his Master’s degree from the University of Western Sydney. He has been interviewed internationally and his artworks have been showcased/sold around the world in many Top Galleries; Australia, New Zealand and the US. He has worked with major rock music bands, has been in well-known magazines and even on television.

Year 8 were very lucky to have been visited by such an artistic role model, flown into Sydney just to visit our school. Romeo spoke about his life and how he started his artistic journey, he showcased his practice through a timelapse video, explained his development and how his work is constructed by ‘culture jamming’ his work. Romeo was also open to questions from the audience, and one very engaged student Lara Kearns was awarded with one of Romeo’s prints. It didn’t stop there, students were so intrigued, the office was queued with a line waiting upon Romeo's autograph. 

Johnny Romeo - Believed and Achieved!

Johnny Romeo had his year 8 audience enthralled on Wednesday (2nd June) when he spoke about how he had achieved his dream, he shared with Year 8 students that he wanted to be an artist when he was seven years old.

Year 8 listened attentively to him as he described that he never lost his passion for Art, acknowledged the wonderful Art teachers, who always praised and encouraged him to achieve his best. 

Did I mention he is an old boy of St Andrews College? Johnny's parents were very concerned about his “dream” but he honoured them by going to University to study Art and became a teacher. He worked two jobs until his artworks were internationally recognised. 

I have always admired Johnny’s work commitment as he showed his enthusiasm and skills with his students. It has been fantastic to see him achieve his dream of being an international artist. I know there are so many talented year 8 students and this morning all listened attentively to a wonderful role model. I encourage all students to believe in themselves, follow their passion and take every opportunity to be the very best that they can be. 

Johnny Romeo is the walking embodiment of “Doing More and Going Beyond”.

HSC Visual Arts Teacher: Shandel Mamuk

Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 8 - Melissa Blackwell