ArtNow
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ArtNow Pinnacles Gallery 26 August - 18 September 2016
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PUBLISHER
Published on the occasion of the exhibition
Gallery Services, Townsville City Council PO Box 1268 Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia pinnacles@townsville.qld.gov.au (07) 4773 8871 © Gallery Services, Townsville City Council and the authors 2015=6
Pinnacles Gallery 26 August - 18 September 2016
Exhibition organised by GALLERY SERVICES
Gallery acknowledgements
Shane Fitzgerald Manager Gallery Services Eric Nash Curator Erwin Cruz Exhibitions and Collection Coordinator Louise Cummins Education and Programs Coordinator Rob Donaldson Digital Media and Exhibition Design Coordinator Jo Stacey Team Leader Administration Gallery Services Holly Grech-Fitzgerald Collections Management Officer Carly Sheil Digital Media and Exhibition Design Officer Leonardo Valero Exhibitions Officer Rurik Henry Exhibitions Officer Sarah Welch Public Art Officer Jess Cuddihy Education and Programs Officer Sarah Reddington Education and Programs Assistant Danielle Berry Arts Officer Wendy Bainbridge Administration Officer Ruth Hughes Administration Officer Jillian Macfie Gallery Assistant Jo Lankester Gallery Assistant Damian Cumner Gallery Assistant Nicole Richardson Gallery Assistant Samuel Smith Gallery Assistant
Pinnacles Gallery, Riverway Arts Centre 20 Village Blvd, Townsville QLD 4817 (07) 4773 8871 pinnacles@townsville.qld.gov.au www.townsivlle.qld.gov.au
@TCC_Pinnacles /PinnaclesTCC Opening Hours Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm Monday Closed
Pinnacles Gallery would like to acknowledge the generous support and assistance of Townsville City Council in realising this exhibition. Thank you to all participating schools, teachers and student artists: • • • • • • • • • • •
Ayr State High School Calvary Christian College Heatley Secondary College Kirwan State High School Northern Beaches State High School Pimlico State High School Ryan Catholic College St Margaret Mary’s College The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James Townsville State High School William Ross State High School
Cover image: Tilly-belle Robinson Year 11, Pimlico State High School Bibliothecary [detail] 2016 Colour pencil on illustration board and canvas
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ARTNOW is an exhibition of works by senior students from the North Queensland region; delivered as part of Gallery Services’ Creative Classrooms Program. This annual exhibition is the result of ongoing collaboration between Gallery Services and Secondary Schools across the North. The exhibition is open to all students who are currently studying a creative arts subject in Year 11 and 12 across both Authority and Non-Authority subjects. Students are given no restrictions on subject matter or mediums and the exhibition is inclusive of all art forms. Participating students in the exhibition experience and employ some of the professional practices required in the art world. This includes areas like submitting work for an exhibition, preparing artwork for display and communicating the concepts and processes behind their work to a public audience. ARTNOW recognises the creativity and diverse talents of young and emerging artists within our community. This year’s exhibition is no exception with 51 student works from 11 secondary schools on display. Gallery Services is proud to support and showcase the work of our latest creative generation.
Louise Cummins Education and Programs Coordinator
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David BALLIN Year 12, Ayr State High School
Two-Faced Snapshots [detail] Coloured pencil
2016
My piece explores the identity of Robin Williams through the significant characters he embodied over his short-lived acting career. By having each component gradually evolve in colour, the two sides of Williams’ life can be observed: his characters and true self. By displaying this piece in a series of film strips, the deterioration of the film industry and Williams' mental state becomes discernible.
Emma LYONS Year 12, Ayr State High School
Whispers of the Reef [detail]
Wrapped driftwood and found materials
2016
A symbolic environmental sculpture representing my identity at this point in time. The pods portray the security of family; loved, embraced and nurtured while the pendulums enclosed in the centre of the pods bare significant influences of childhood memories at the beach. The cocoons develop from raw inexperience to colourful life choices.
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Lauren BOZZETTO Year 11, Ayr State High School
Urban Rural [detail] Pen and ink
2016
The artwork created is intended to express the beautiful, intricate Australian environment. Due to my love for travel and my home country, I have chosen to represent my personal view on Australia through the depiction and abstraction of Australian sceneries. This work demonstrates the connection between the functionings of both areas, and to explore the many regions of Australia; my homeland and travel destination.
Samantha Whittred Year 12, Ayr State High School
Nature Extracted [detail] Papier mache and acrylic
2016
This represents my life living on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. I was surrounded by water, the beach and the bush which formed a large part of my childhood experiences. In this artwork I have extracted simplified representations of nature; the waves, the sand and the Casuarinas. The base forms the shape of Thursday Island itself with my face being central to each. Wave like shapes have been layered so that they roll from one section to the next embracing myself and my identity.
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NatalIA BlOOMFIELD Year 12, Heatley Secondary College
Breast Cancer [detail] Acrylic and oil paint
2016
This artwork is inspired by my passion for bringing awareness to the effects that breast cancer has, not only on the patient, but also their friends and family. My piece is about how women are still beautiful, whether they have breasts or not. The flowers symbolise this beauty. I chose to use oil paints to create the texture in the flowers. This artwork shows how those women affected by this awful disease are not alone and that they are still beautiful and strong.
Nikaiya Marr Stout Year 12, Heatley Secondary College
Sunset Swing [detail] Acrylic Paint
2016
This work represents dreams and emotions, by using a theme of letting go of the past. The sunset behind the girl ties this theme in well. Elements of line, colour and the size of the girl compared to the trees that surround her, are used in this piece. To create this artwork, I used canvas, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, and my fingers (to create the leaves on the trees). The serenity of sunsets inspired me to complete this work and let go.
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Samantha Cotterall Year 12, Heatley Secondary College
A Dying Sparkle [detail]
2016
Acrylic paint
This artwork represents the emotions of a young woman, who is unique but being pressured by society and stereotypical expectations to become something that she is not. Her individuality is slowly dying as society pushes their views and ideologies onto this young developing soul. This piece was appropriated from Pablo Picasso’s The Weeping Woman. The background colour is a dark navy blue to symbolise a dark world, which teens are being thrown into.
Jade WHITE Year 11, Kirwan State High School
Inner Beauty [detail]
Charcoal and watercolour
2016
Mental illness is a major issue which affects everyone in some way or another. This piece is specifically influenced by mental illnesses such as anorexia nervosa, anxiety and depression, along with others, which are very significant in modern society. Anyone is vulnerable, no matter the age or gender. Talking to and reading about those who are affected by an illness gave me insight into how to create this piece.
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Rachel Humphreys Year 11, Kirwan State High School
Balance [detail]
Mixed media collage
2016
My piece is a look into the two sides of the brain; the logical side and the creative side. The logical half is influenced by puzzles and what is factual. The creative side is about excitement, life experiences and interests. This mix of logic and creativity is what defines the human personality.
Cara TEELING Year 11, Kirwan State High School
Time [detail]
2016
Charcoal, watercolour, water soluble pencils
The subject of time comments on the way age changes people's lives, while time also creates lifelong relationships. This idea continues over the two canvases, one being bright and youthful and one being dark and aged. I used charcoal to create a dark, aged decaying effect, but also leaving light areas to represent the lives that still hold purpose. The coloured canvas is a duplicate of the darkened canvas, only a previous streetscape years before.
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Christian SMART Year 12, Kirwan State High School
Mum [detail]
2016
Acrylic, mixed media on canvas
My mother is a woman of many talents and I am unable to match her hard working ethic. She has a superpower of energy that is the strength and backbone of our family. My portrait of my mother is a tribute to the wonderful and loving person she is, inside and out. I have given hints to her true superhero qualities through use of symbolism and colour.
Olivia CARTWRIGHT Year 12, Kirwan State High School
Enlightenment [detail] Oil paint on canvas
2016
This artwork of spiritual founding explores the juxtaposition between an Anglican past and the presence of a Buddhist guidance. Rich with spiritual symbolism and flamboyant ornamentation, Enlightenment attempts to capture the transition of a religious communion to a renowned philosophy releasing an inner life force or enlightenment. Amongst the golden structures and elegant flowers, the spiritual connections of the two religions will always be extant.
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Madelyn Northeast Year 12, Kirwan State High School
Contemporary Depictions [detail] Oil paint on canvas
2016
This piece is a culmination of my experiences with religion over my years and the things I have been taught concerning the history of the religion. I have been instructed throughout primary school via the usage of colourful cartoons and animations; I have further in my life extended on that via the viewing of religious art and other forms of religious text. My conclusion is that the depictions of these stories are much more gory and frightful than what they teach in Sunday school.
Emily Dickenson Year 12, Kirwan State High School
Letting Go [detail]
Acrylic and ink on canvas
2016
I created this work to try and express an artistic side of me I had not yet experienced, a side which requires a lot of self-trust. I had a vision of creating a body of work which has a spiritual feel and crystallises the idea of ‘self-knowledge’ and ‘letting go’. With this artwork, I set on a journey along with a mentor to help me make meaning out of my perceived idea of spirituality.
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Darcie Fielding Year 12, Kirwan State High School
Countries of Origin [detail]
2016
Acrylic, paper, thread canvas and box frames
This artwork crystallises my heritage and the countries that I’m from. The work utilises paper as a dominant medium, to daintily portray my diversity. The portrait intends to show my connection to the countries and the journeys within them.
Belinda WHALLEY Year 11, Northern Beaches State High School
Wood Chip – Turn Me Into Paper [detail] 2016 Mixed media wearable art
The artwork represents the destruction of the environment (trees) for consumable items. The headpiece is shaped to look like a saw blade which represents the saw mill process.
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Kelsey Weight Year 11, Northern Beaches State High School
Untitled [detail]
2016
Series of four digital prints
This wearable artwork, Wood Chip – Turn Me Into Paper was created by Belinda Whalley, who is a Year 11 student at Northern Beaches State High School. I wanted to photograph the artwork in a way that reflected the dark meaning behind it – the destruction of the environment for consumerism.
Trinity LAMBERT Year 11, Northern Beaches State High School
Face your Fears [detail] Series of five digital prints
2016
Face your Fears is about overcoming what you truly fear by becoming your fear. People have always thought clowns have had an evil side - well here it is. Make-up created by Alicia Mulder – Year 11 student at Northern Beaches SHS.
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Talia LOSBERG Year 12, Northern Beaches State High School
In the Burbs [detail] Acrylic on canvas
2016
An exploration of colour within a built environment.
Skye ELLIOT Year 12, Northern Beaches State High School
Inner Skye [detail] Acrylic on canvas
2016
Stepping through my mind you can sometimes find the strangest things.
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Romelita AFAMASAGA Year 11, Northern Beaches State High School
Moana [detail] Acrylic on canvas
2016
Connecting to my homeland through art.
Katelyn THOMPSON Year 11, Northern Beaches State High School
Factor Green [detail] Mixed media
2016
Although the factories come and go, nature eventually wins over.
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Byron HOWELLS Year 12, Pimlico State High School
What Lies Beneath [detail] Acrylic dry-point etching
2016
This series of prints explores the notion that humans are inherently bad. That everyone has a darker side of themselves they hide from the rest of the world. What Lies Beneath does not intend to imply that people are evil, but rather the philosophical belief that no one person can exist without ‘sin’.
Alison COWAN Year 11, Pimlico State High School
The Quiet [detail] Acrylic on canvas
2016
This self-portrait has been created using a loose palette knife technique to reflect her uncertain and confused state of mind. The blue hue is to unite and portray her feelings of isolation. The claustrophobic, visual perspective symbolises her lack of freedom in decision making and a suffocation of expectations, the naked vulnerability and low self-esteem brought on by a debilitating skin condition. The globe is her hope to break out and explore the world on her own terms.
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Tilly-belle ROBINSON Year 11, Pimlico State High School
Bibliothecary [detail]
2016
Colour pencil on illustration board and canvas
Bibliothecary (noun), one who collects or maintains books. Books provided me a way to escape from reality at a time when my reality was devastation and destruction. I latched onto the characters in those books, and even TV shows; they became my friends. I buried myself into their worlds to forget my own. They will always remain a part of me.
Nikita TOLENTINO Year 11, Pimlico State High School
Nikita in Wonderland [detail] Acrylic on canvas
2016
This self-portrait explores the concept of 'the Artist’s existence'. I have used symbols to communicate meanings about my identity. These symbols include a pocket watch, book, the Cheshire cat, and a stylised tree. These symbols represent a fondness for my childhood, love for reading, dreams of escaping from reality and, inconsistency and indecisiveness; all of which may not be obvious about me at first glance.
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Natasha LYON Year 11, Pimlico State High School
Self-Portrait
Acrylic on canvas
[detail]
2016
I have created a self-portrait work on canvas. My physical likeness can be seen in the facial features as well as my arms and hands in the painting. Visual language conventions such as symbolism have also been included. Symbols such as my phone, earphones and plain black and white clothing are used to show my ‘outer’ personality and how people may see me. Other symbols such as my rainbow hair are used to show my ‘inner’ self, which is unique and creative, and often unseen by others.
Lillian MacGREGOR Year 12, Pimlico State High School
Preserving the Wonders of the Natural World [detail] Mixed media wearable art
2016
My artwork aims to depict the beauty and diversity of the natural world. It shows sites which have been chosen as the seven wonders of the natural world. The use of synthetic materials is to indicate the consequences of industrialisation and the destruction of the natural world. Negative human impact can be seen at even our most treasured natural sites, as people come from around the world to visit these natural wonders, only to add to their deterioration.
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Hanah WHYTE Year 12, Pimlico State High School
What’s On Your Plate? [detail] Mixed media on canvas
2016
This artwork depicts a physical site which humans unquestionably experience on a daily basis, often without thought or contemplation. The creation of this artwork presents two sides of a cruel and unjust story. Upon viewing the contents of the plate, it appears to resemble a standard meal consumed by many, yet under UV light, the brutality of Australia’s meat industry is exposed.
Emma HIGGINS Year 11, Pimlico State High School
Behind the Lense [detail] Mixed media on canvas
2016
My self-portrait work on canvas explores the concept of 'the artist’s existence’ through the focus of 'secrets'. Meanings about my identity are communicated using symbolism. The positioning of the camera over my mouth represents how I felt my opinions weren’t being taken seriously at the time. The camera lense conveys the layers of experiences that influence the way I perceive the world through my own eyes.
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Emily HORN Year 11, Pimlico State High School
Pony in Pink
Acrylic on canvas
[detail]
2016
The artwork Pony in Pink is a self-portrait that represents my love of horses and the feeling of independence that riding brings. It shows the connection between myself and my horse.
Desiree KEWE Year 12, Pimlico State High School
Miss Representation [detail] Mixed media on canvas
2016
The media can influence, control and manipulate both viewers’ and readers’ perceptions of beauty, thus this artwork also represents the media’s negative effects; low self-esteem, eating disorders etc. The large woman illustrates the media’s huge presence, whilst her mask shows how the media misrepresents and sells unrealistic standards of ‘beauty’. The woman is also a puppeteer to depict the power the media has over its consumers.
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Sharisse Tonner Year 12, Ryan Catholic College
Toxic Void
[detail]
Acrylic on canvas
2016
I wanted to make a visual statement through the use of colour and texture about how our environment is being turned into a toxic wasteland. I took an image of a beautiful landscape and abstracted it in various ways to enhance the notion that industrialization is creating a toxic environment. I reversed the expected reflection in the water to achieve a sense of unease and vacancy.
Grace Brunton Year 12, St Margaret Mary’s College
Mother Heart [detail]
2016
Ceramic and organic material installation
This installation of a hollow tree with a heart represents Mother Nature in its purest form. The idea that Mother Nature is a woman makes humans believe that the earth belongs to them. Because of this we become selfish and take as much as we like from the earth.
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Catriya Clarke Year 12, St Margaret Mary’s College
Missing Pieces [detail]
2016
Embossed copper and aluminium installation
This work speaks about our personal lives and journeys we take to find ourselves. There are many options in our lives to choose who we are, and there are many places to fill. One’s identity can be false or true or depict our lives in things like culture, memories, traditions, dreams, ideology, stereotypes and much more.
Abbey Feldt Year 12, St Margaret Mary’s College
The Faces of Abbey [detail]
2016
Acrylic paint and modelling paste on canvas
A self-portrait that addresses the theme of existence and identity. In particular, the artwork explicitly explores the psychological identity of the sitter. Through vivid colours these themes are represented in an unrealistic portrait. The story of the psychological identity has been shown through two portraits, each representing contrasting emotions. Through various colors and techniques, The Faces of Abbey is a work that effectively communicates the theme of identity and existence.
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Jessica Harrebomee Year 12, St Margaret Mary’s College
Elevation of Identity
[detail]
Ceramic, found objects, mixed media and audio visual installation
2016
This work displays the development of a human’s identity with the development of knowledge. It shows how we make our own identity and break away from the confinements that we have been placed in.
Shelby Lidgerwood Year 12, St Margaret Mary’s College
Flaws [detail]
2016
Watercolour and fineliner on 300gsm paper
This piece aims to expose the issue of common anxieties and where my own lie. It presents the perspective that we should not be so harsh towards flaws of any kind. I focused on pointing out my flaws to draw attention to the fact that flaws are a part of our existence. These cannot be changed and have to be reckoned with until we eventually accept them as a part of our identity.
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Jami McIntyre Year 12, St Margaret Mary’s College
How Do You View Yourself [detail] Pencil and watercolour on paper
2016
How an individual sees themselves and how their family and friends see them can differ. This work explores the physical and psychological identity of the artist and how their physical perception of self may differ to how others perceive them.
Jessie Smith Year 12, St Margaret Mary’s College
Growing an Identity [detail]
2016
Mixed media collage on paper installation
“Identity is something that cannot be found or fabricated, but rather emerges from within as we grow.” This mixed media collage installation shows the continual growth of humans throughout our lives. As a teenager, I’m still discovering myself, and my identity. The evolution of my identity is something that I cannot determine. Although, I can do my best to ensure my journey is a fun one.
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Emma Medill Year 12, The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James
Bound to the Screen
[detail]
2016
Acrylic paint and ink on paper
This work demonstrates our inability to fully immerse ourselves in the world around us when we have become dependant on technology. Thick chains bind the hands and phone to our perceived digital reality, while the outstretched hand reaching from within the phone tries to grasp freedom. Symbols of freedom and the real, natural world are just out of reach in a swirling mass of colour that is juxtaposed against the cold monochrome of the chains.
Brodie Heedes Year 11, Townsville State High School
Young Lady With Green [detail] Acrylic on canvas
2016
This is my appropriation of Tamara De Lempicka’s painting Young Lady with Gloves. I have retitled this piece calling it Young Lady with Green. The artists style is similar to mine but I changeed some aspects of the painting to make it more my own style. I enjoyed recreating the detail which was what attracted me to the artwork in the first place. The mood I have created is one of her waiting for her lover to arrive, all focus is on her and her anticipation of the meeting.
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Chloe Pollard Year 11, Townsville State High School
The Painter [detail] Acrylic on canvas
2016
I decided to appropriate Tamara De Lempicka’s artwork La demeuse and recreate it in my own style and renamed it The Painter. I wanted to portray the mood of contemplation into the piece as behind the lady you will see a blank canvas, the lady appears to be holding a clean paint brush and her facial expression shows that of deep thought, as if she is trying to think of what to paint for her next artwork. I chose to use my own colours in the artwork so I could achieve the mood I was trying to create.
Blake Frankcom Year 11, Townsville State High School
Colour of Autumn [detail] Acrylic on canvas
2016
Inspired by Bristol Fall, a piece by Leonid Afremov. The reference was great inspiration to allow the artist to be creative and unique with a colourful, visually appealing artwork, with multiple techniques used to get desired result. Other sources of inspiration come from prior knowledge and the artist’s fascinations of creating unique and realistic cloud formations for the background.
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AMY RIDGLEY Year 12, William Ross State High School
Travel Tags
[detail]
Ink, watercolour and collage
2016
The evidence of a journey around the world is represented by each different landmark. The artworks are in the form of luggage tags which represents travel and the journey one takes to reach separate destinations. The series also shows the decisions man is faced with upon his journey through life. The front of the artworks show landmarks with watercolours while the back consists of different newspaper headlines showing the terrible events that happen in these countries. This portrays evidence that man can make great things, or destroy them.
Andrea Nitz Year 12, William Ross State High School
History vs. Men [detail] Graphite
2016
Political tension, hierarchy, power and slavery are a part of African history. The overwhelming trail of chains on the artwork symbolises the journey of mankind. Powerless and begging hands are situated in the middle and foreground of drawing one. The sketchy appearance reveals the increase of emotion the viewer may perceive. Drawing two continues the rusty, old looking chains that flow as a link between the two art pieces. The chains suggest the controlling government that restricts mankind from humanity.
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Caroline Waugh Year 12, William Ross State High School
Disney's Progression [detail] Mixed media boxes
2016
Throughout history women have been viewed as many different things, from housewives to partial equals. A perfect example of this transition can be seen throughout the progression of the Disney Princesses. Disney first began this franchise with Snow White in 1937 and have worked all the way to Elsa and Anna in the box office hit Frozen in 2013. This progression truly represents the journey of the ever changing views of women.
Heather Rollinson Year 12, William Ross State High School
“Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy� (Broken Heart Syndrome) [detail] Watercolour, ink, fine-liner, thread
2016
My artwork portrays the events of heartbreak called 'takotsubo cardiomyopathy' or more commonly known as 'broken heart syndrome'. The work is broken into stages reflecting the trauma and gradual mending of the broken heart. The red in some of the sketches emphasises the heart blending.
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Tiana DeZolt Year 12, Ayr State High School
Child Soldiers Loss of Innocence
[detail]
Acrylic on recycled board panels
2016
This work explores the lives and identity of children at war and represents two opposing worlds. I have grown up with crayons and paper in my hands ready to create whereas some Child Soldiers deliver a contrasting view with bullets and guns in their hands. Colours are created by melting crayons splattered on this artwork, which represents the lack of opportunity that these children have in their short lives. This is something that many of us today take for granted every day.
Emma Claussen Year 12, Calvary Christian College
The Darkness of Night [detail] Acrylic paint and metal on canvas
2016
This painting is centred on detrimental infatuations. In the Harry Potter series Harry becomes obsessed with what the deathly hallows represents. I positioned the deathly hallows symbol at the bottom centre of the painting to represent that it is absorbing his life and unknown to him is dragging him down. Although he is surrounded by a night full of stars, he is sinking in his own darkness due to his detrimental infatuation.
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Regina Sarunn Year 12, Calvary Christian College
Don't Look at Me [detail] Acrylic paint on canvas
2016
Anxiety encapsulates feelings of worry, nervousness, or a sense of apprehension, typically about an upcoming event where the outcome is uncertain, or where one feels they might not be up to the task. The woman pictured in this painting is riddled with anxiety, triggered from a stressful event. She is surrounded by black to emphasise her state of mind; feelings of hopelessness and gloom. Her hand cups the left side of her face and her other covering her abdomen to signify a defensive position.
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Catalogue North Queensland regional exhibition 2016
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Pinnacles Gallery 26 August - 18 September 2016
North Queensland regional exhibition 2016
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Publisher
Published on the occasion of the exhibition
Gallery Services, Townsville City Council PO Box 1268 Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia pinnacles@townsville.qld.gov.au (07) 4773 8871
North Queensland regional exhibition 2016
© Gallery Services, Townsville City Council and the authors 2016 Exhibition organised by GALLERY SERVICES Shane Fitzgerald Manager Gallery Services Eric Nash Curator Erwin Cruz Exhibitions and Collection Coordinator Louise Cummins Education and Programs Coordinator Rob Donaldson Digital Media and Exhibition Design Coordinator Jo Stacey Team Leader Administration Gallery Services Holly Grech-Fitzgerald Collections Management Officer Carly Sheil Digital Media and Exhibition Design Officer Dianne Purnell Digital Media and Exhibition Design Fellow Leonardo Valero Exhibitions Officer Rurik Henry Exhibitions Officer Sarah Welch Public Art Officer Jess Cuddihy Education and Programs Officer Sarah Reddington Education and Programs Assistant Danielle Berry Arts Officer Wendy Bainbridge Administration Officer Ruth Hughes Administration Officer Jillian Macfie Gallery Assistant Jo Lankester Gallery Assistant Damian Cumner Gallery Assistant Nicole Richardson Gallery Assistant Samuel Smith Gallery Assistant
Pinnacles Gallery, Riverway Arts Centre 20 Village Blvd, Townsville QLD 4817 (07) 4773 8871 pinnacles@townsville.qld.gov.au www.townsville.qld.gov.au @TCC_Pinnacles /PinnaclesTCC Opening Hours Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm Monday Closed
Pinnacles Gallery 26 August - 18 September 2016
Gallery Acknowledgements Pinnacles Gallery would like to acknowledge the generous support and assistance of the Department of Education, Training and Employment, Queensland Government; Oxlades Art Supplies and Townsville City Council. The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art would like to thank Oxlades Art Supplies for supplying the Regional Encouragement Award prize pack. A special thank you to Ebony Russell, Regional Coordinator for Creative Generation Excellence in Visual Art. Thank you also to all participating schools, teachers and student artists: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Blackheath and Thornburgh College Bowen State High School Gilroy Santa Maria College Heatley Secondary College Kirwan State High School Pimlico State High School Ryan Catholic College St Anthony's Catholic College St Margaret Mary's College St Patrick's College Townsville The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James Thuringowa State High School Townsville Grammar School Townsville State High School William Ross State High School
Department of Education and Training
Introduction The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art recognises and promotes excellence in senior visual art education throughout state and non-state schools in Queensland. Now in its 26th year, the program has helped raise community awareness of the degree of sophistication in concepts, diversity of technical competence, and the high standard of visual art education in Queensland secondary schools. This year 15 schools have entered artworks by 44 students that form the exhibition in Pinnacles Gallery. This publication features the artworks of the talented young artists who have entered the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art North Queensland regional exhibition 2016.
KAITLYN TREACY
Year 12, Blackheath and Thornburgh College
Untitled [detail]
2016
Digital photographs and sculptural work
I am interested in transformations at various life stages. I created a shape for a human form - a combination of egg and cocoon. This form could be used at the beginning and end of life, coffin and cocoon, where people die and are reborn. I photographed the cocoon merged with the environment to show how it may be found naturally. The light glowing through the cocoon creates a soothing effect, how it might feel to be inside an egg or womb.
EVIE BATT
Year 11, Blackheath and Thornburgh College
Drought and Flooding Rain [detail]
Lino, cow skulls, mixed media
2016
In my artwork I chose to show the transition in the physical environment when a drought is broken. My family lives on the land; I have experienced this transition first hand. My canvases are cow skulls from my family’s cattle and sheep property in North West Queensland.
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NINA ANNAND
Year 12, Bowen State High School
Accepting Genetics [detail] Acrylic paint on MDF board
2016
We all resemble our parents in one way or another, whether it is through our physical appearance, personality or mannerisms. With my own detached relationship with my father, I have found myself irrationally resenting my eyes, my chin, my poor time management, my curious outlook on life – all inherited through my paternal XY chromosome. While comforted, or ‘blanketed’, by the support of my mother, this subjective self-portrait exposes the internalised journey of accepting my genetic identity.
LOGAN COWAN
Year 12, Bowen State High School
A Look Inside the Head of Creativity [detail] Clay, wire, fabric, acrylic paint
2016
My artwork is concerned with interests that help form our personal identity. Stars, flowers, Pokémon, and my mother’s sewing are all interests in my life that help shape who I am as a person and my creativity. I have attempted to show these interests by constructing myself as a vase from which flowers made from my mother’s fabric rest. In my background, I depict the night sky filled with superimposed, Pokémoninfluenced designs to represent the many constellations of the night sky.
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ALLY MOLACHINO
Year 12, Gilroy Santa Maria College
Stung [detail]
2016
Plaster bandages covered in wax
The concept behind my piece is the phenomena of candles, their origin and their symbolic meaning. For centuries, candles have lit human existence and have symbolised life, throughout various religious and cultural contexts. This piece aimed to not only represent human life, but also the suffering that occurs around the globe, while linking it with the origin of candles themselves.
MIKKAYLA SALTER
Year 12, Heatley Secondary College
Pressure [detail]
Pencil, makeup, pen
2016
Whilst studying artists exploring a social commentary in their artwork. This piece was created to express the point of view from models, which live under endless amounts of stress and pressure from society, to be beautiful. We often find ourselves feeling insecure over what we see in fashion magazines and blaming the “perfect” person, but how much do you know about the model that may have developed a number of mental and physical illnesses to be “beautiful”? 7
PAIGE BROWNLEE
Year 12, Heatley Secondary College
Warning [detail] Mixed media
2016
Whilst studying artists exploring a social commentary in their artwork, this piece was created to warn society about the effects of drugs on the brain. The brain is an amazing and powerful organ; however, this power can be silenced when taking drugs. This includes both legal and illegal drugs. Society should know the potential consequences, behind consuming such chemicals. In particular teenagers should be aware of the potential consequences behind their behaviour and choices.
APRIL GODINEZ
Year 11, Heatley Secondary College
Family Time [detail] Collage
2016
This artwork is about my family and growing up together. It is about living as one big happy family. I want to be able to remember these memories forever. As they say “Time flies, when you are having fun.� I always want to keep these moments in my memory, never to be forgotten. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the negative times, however, this artwork is a reminder of the positive times. The moments that I will never forget. 8
ANNA TA
Year 11, Heatley Secondary College
A Change of Light [detail] Acrylic paint, foam, fine tip
2016
After studying social commentary in art, this work was created to represent how peoples opinions and lives are often supressed and silenced. It consists of a man who has had his ideas supressed for a long period of time. He is now dull, he changes his light bulb hoping for another go at making a brighter future. This art work is about the fight for a better life and future.
MADISON RAGHU
Year 12, Kirwan State High School
Cleansed? [detail] Mixed media
2016
Cleansed? tells the tale of my adolescence and traumas that I’ve been faced with and then overcome. It uses deep symbolism to depict specific memories and the way I perceived it, also how they intertwine with each other. The main topic of this work is abuse against women, specifically narrating my experience with it.
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GEORGIA ANDERSON Year 12, Kirwan State High School
Ineffable Soul [detail]
Acrylic paint and mixed media
2016
This work reflects the social movement feminism and evokes insight into a women’s soul and her ability to overcome challenges. This is successfully interpreted by the viewer through the clever manipulation of elements such as symbol. Through this journey I have investigated symbolism in great depth and discovered how to portray meaning through the subtle use of lines, shape, texture and colour.
ROSALIE ERRINGTON Year 12, Kirwan State High School
Colours of My Society [detail] Mixed media
2016
This crystallised artwork focuses on the dreary and depressing nature that society poses against me. The words and portrait of me together, portray a sad and oppressing perspective of the effects that humanity has on individuals. The negative view is captured by the ideology that actions such as death, rape, war and drugs highly impact mental health. Memories so fearsome are conjured from simple articles of pain and suffering. 10
CHARLOTTE BLAGG Year 12, Kirwan State High School
Continuation [detail] Watercolour, ink and pen
2016
An exploration of two states of emotion experienced in a continuous pattern; calm and stress. This piece attempts to show the significant contrast, between the two, circle and triangle elements featured in the separate sides create a path that pulls the eyes around to experience the continual journey between these emotions. It is a juxtaposition of the relaxing and peaceful state of calm, and the chaotic, overwhelming experience of stress.
NICOLA KATSAROS Year 12, Pimlico State High School
Subconscious Awakenings [detail] Oil on canvas
2016
This artwork attempts to explain the absurdity of dreams, in particular; my dreams. I recorded and researched a series of dreams and incorporated them into one big flowing painting. The composition includes seven different dreams swirling around a self-portrait of myself sleeping. Some of the dreams I discovered symbolise fears, anger and freedom, and were a subconscious reflection of what was happening in my life at the time.
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DARCY ARROWSMITH Year 12, Pimlico State High School
Interconnectedness [detail] Acrylic and pastel on canvas
2016
Being of Indigenous Australian descent, I have always felt a special connection with the land and natural environment. My artwork is a personal expression of this intangible link to nature. The ethereal figures are my interpretation of female ancestor spirits, while the use of intense unrealistic colours and the forest setting reflect a dream-like quality to the landscape.
INGRID MILLER
Year 12, Pimlico State High School
Spectrum [detail]
2016
Acrylic and collage on canvas
This artwork explores how our visual perception of the world can be influenced by emotion. It is a personal expression, reflecting feelings that I experience and how my perception of surroundings, such as my bedroom, is altered. The canvases represent depression, loneliness, love, jealousy/ anger, and anxiety. To add to the experience of viewing this artwork, I have created an audio track of myself performing on keyboard, Fly composed by Ludovico Einaudi from his 2006 album Divenire. 12
TIANA O’BRIEN
Year 12, Pimlico State High School
Find me where the music plays [detail] Mixed media and audio
2016
This artists’ book visually represents what music means to me. Using mostly cardboard, I constructed two halves of a miniature grand piano to be the book’s covers to show the connection between music and the magical world it transports me to. The painting inside the book symbolizes this world and all the things I love including music, art, animals and nature. The flying girl in the sky alludes to a feeling of freedom that comes when I play piano.
EMMA HAYLETT
Year 12, Ryan Catholic College
We Are One But We Are Many [detail] Digital print
2016
My work aims to show that despite our differences we should unite together as one, and accept everyone as human beings. No matter our skin colour, gender or place of birth we are all equal and should be treated as such. This artwork also aims to capture our uniqueness and differences as well as our similarities, but mostly our humanity as we all share the same emotions. 13
KAYLA ROLFE
Year 12, Ryan Catholic College
Displacement [detail]
2016
Copper, assorted wire, acetate prints, paper
Having to live in a different country with a totally different culture changes your identity, and in some ways hides who you previously were. By superimposing words and statements that are involved with this new culture on the Australian flag, I was able to incorporate the hurdles and harsh realities of leaving a life behind and living somewhere totally unknown with new laws, values, societal expectations.
ALICIA REIMANN
Year 12, Ryan Catholic College
Ons Twee Selves (Our Two Selves) [detail]
2016
Printmaking, watercolour, photocopy ink
The human heart, tongue and brain endure all of our emotions, however it is from their interpretation of our life experiences which defines who we are internally. My artwork aims to resolve the connection between the involuntary reactions of our two selves and the indelible stains left upon us as we struggle to internalise our feelings, thoughts and expression.
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GRACE ATKINSON Year 12, Ryan Catholic College
Emeline's Ruins [detail] Acrylic on board
2016
This work explores the dramatic effects of when mental illness and body image collide. My artwork represents an experience of viewing that body, rather than reality. The artwork portrays the visual re-interpretation that person suffers when diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. A mental illness that transforms the way a person views themselves by altering their mental state, and changing their appearance in a way that only they can see.
EMILY HAMILTON
Year 11, St Anthony’s Catholic College
PERSPECTIVE [detail] Acrylic and spray paint
2016
Perspective: a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view. When it comes to tattoos, there is often people who voice their perspective on the way a person decides to ‘decorate’ their body. In this case, it’s tattoos. Tattoos are commonly enjoyed as beautiful pieces of body art but many people now see them publicly and socially as ‘unprofessional’ or ‘repugnant'. 15
JASMINE SANSALONE Year 11, St Anthony’s Catholic College
Memory Lane [detail]
2016
Pencil, watercolour paint, acrylic paint
This artwork challenges society’s ideas and perspectives about memories captured in time. The reality of a moment may be more than what we initially see, capturing it in time can help us rewind and reflect on the small moments that create our identity. The appreciation of portraits is beginning to diminish due to the growing cultures of social media and its abundance of meaningless self-absorbed selfies.
CAITLIN STYLE
Year 12, St Anthony’s Catholic College
The Emanation of a Melancholic Mind [detail]
Colour pencil, acrylic, soft pastel
2016
Depression. It’s a deep, dark, black hole that can feel like it never ends. I wanted to display what Vincent Van Gogh, Kurt Cobain, and Robin Williams felt inside their heads, and what they showed on the outside. This artwork illustrates their melancholic thoughts, emotions, and feelings before they ended their lives. I wanted to express their fight for sanity, a nightmare, a loss of consciousness; leading to the thought that suicide was the only option. 16
ABBEY FELDT
Year 12, St Margaret Mary's College
The Faces of Abbey [detail]
Acrylic, modelling paste on canvas
2016
The Faces of Abbey is a self portrait that addresses the theme of existence and identity. In particular, the artwork explicitly explores the psychological identity of the sitter. Through vivid colours, themes are represented in an neo-expressionist portrait. Psychological identity has been shown through two portraits, each representing contrasting emotions.
JESSIE SMITH
Year 12, St Margaret Mary's College
Growing an Identity [detail] Mixed media collage on paper
2016
Identity is something that can not be found or fabricated, but rather emerges from within as we grow. This mixed media installation shows the continual growth of humans throughout our lives. As a teenager, I’m still discovering myself, and my identity. The evolution of my identity is something that I can not determine, although, I can do my best to ensure my journey is a fun one. I wanted to create a non-traditional drawing that showed my journey. 17
CATRIYA CLARKE
Year 12, St Margaret Mary's College
Missing Pieces [detail]
2016
Copper and aluminium foil installation
This work speaks about our personal lives and the journeys we take to find ourselves. There are many options in our lives to chose who we are. One’s identity can be false or true and depicts our lives through culture, memories, traditions, dreams, ideology, stereotypes and much more. Our identity is filled with the things that are most important to ourselves. My dual heritage, Thai and Australian, is referenced in this work through puzzle pieces and self portraits.
PRUDENCE TERRY
Year 11, St Patrick's College Townsville
Double Standard [detail] Acrylic paint
2016
This artwork is an exploration of gender stereotyping and standards that create and shape the world that women live in. It is a reflection of myself through the filtered eyes of the world in comparison to what I actually am and want to be.
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IRISH ARANETA
Year 12, St Patrick's College Townsville
Act of Rebellion: People Are People [detail] Wire, wood, mod rock, acrylic
2016
I believe dance is a form of communication between body and soul. I have explored the issue of transgender in my art work. Perspective plays a key role in these sculptures. The observer must choose their viewpoint. Each sculpture symbolises acceptance, equality and respect. This work was made with the aim to break through the gender barriers that are implemented by society.
CHASELY JOHNSON
Year 12, The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James
Broken [detail] Charcoal
2016
This artwork is a visual representation of mental illness, most specifically depression. The black dog sitting loyally next to the solemn figure represents the support provided by others and that people are never alone when going through hardship. The indirect cry for help without explicitly calling attention to himself, represented by the arms, expresses the way many people feel when plagued by depression. The six arms are splayed out like wings and convey the internal desire to fly free of the darkness.
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CAITLYN SIMMS
Year 12, The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James
Puppets in the hands of Society [detail] Pen on paper with cotton
2016
Society as a whole manipulates and controls us as humans; it tells us who to be and how to act. These are the ties that society has on us and they are represented by the cotton threads which have been threaded into the pages of the artwork. The hands located on top of each artwork resemble society as the anonymous puppeteer.
CAITLIN JOHNSON
Year 12, The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James
Generation Tech [detail] Acrylic paint and impasto
2016
I designed my artwork to represent how technology has started to infiltrate our lives, especially from a young age. From things as drastic as the possibility of artificial intelligence to things as small as iPads being integrated into everyday education, slowly but surely technology is weaving its way into our minds. The colours used in the piece represent the primary ways that technology is incorporated into childhood beginning the dominance of technology on ourselves. 20
GEORGIA MINTRAM
Year 12, The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James
Storm [detail]
2016
Acrylic paint on canvas
In essence, my painting represents conflicting emotions; a battle between negative and positive feelings. This is represented by the use of colour; dark and light colours compete, and blue and orange contrast. The figure is faceless for a reason: everyone is effected by the same emotions, emotion is not prejudice. The dark storm clouds represent the invasion of negative emotions into our minds and hearts.
CHLOE BALL
Year 12, Thuringowa State High School
Enlightenment of Evolution [detail] Mixed media
2016
Science is the future. This work is based on morphed biological forms of both human and animal cells. We are becoming more exposed to new advanced scientific discoveries and revolutionary concepts. Evolution is identified as the adaption of heritable traits of biological populations over successive generations allowing the organism to survive. 21
DACHE GEIGER
Year 12, Townsville Grammar School
Samuel [detail] Graphite pencil
2016
The intention of this artwork is to explore East African cultural identity. In December 2015 I travelled to Tanzania and was fortunate enough to experience first-hand the culture and traditions of this beautiful country and its people. The drawing is of a little boy I met. I was immediately drawn to his innocence and cheekiness despite his Geimpoverished circumstances. The image is inspired by a photograph taken by a girl I travelled with, Samantha Hendricks, from Forever Young Photography.
NICOLA TODD
Year 12 Townsville Grammar School
Self-portrait [detail]
Graphite, charcoal and pen
2016
Individually we each have our own ideals, beliefs and experiences processing in our mind. Every enjoyable and challenging aspect of our lives shapes our identity. Experiencing life as a teenager can often lead to thoughts of tension, conflict and confusion when trying to find purpose and direction in life. The sharp triangles in my portrait represent the overwhelming fear I sometimes experience of breaking and shattering under pressure. 22
CARA DOHNALEK
Year 12, Townsville Grammar School
Consumed by the 21st Century [detail] Oil on canvas painting
2016
My intended message is to highlight technology’s influence on the new generation in the 21st Century. Children are less interested in simple, tangible toys and are increasingly disengaged in playing with friends. Instead they spend hours of their time head down, technological device in hand, face bright by the light of a screen and eyes transfixed.
ALEXANDRA BAXTER Year 12, Townsville Grammar School
Pepper was Born to Conquer Salt [detail] Black pen on paper
2016
This series of work showcases the frailty of identity. It aims to portray how easily the carefully constructed memories of childhood and our perception of the world can be shattered in an instant. I had grown up believing that the people in my life were nothing but good. With this proved wrong, I questioned my very foundations, the memories that I treasure. 23
KODI ABRAHAM
Year 11, Townsville State High School
What Makes A Home [detail] Acrylic on canvas
2016
This work was painted featuring a terrarium filled with plants sitting on a windowsill. This painting was developed to create an image of home to me. The succulents inside the terrarium, along with the two candles beside it, are all objects that give me a sense of homeliness. My family has moved house many times in the past, and I used the chess piece to show this, but as long as there are candles and succulents sitting around, any house feels like a home to me.
BLAKE FRANKCOM
Year 11, Townsville State High School
Connections of Past and Present [detail]
Acrylic and Watercolour on paper
2016
The idea for this artwork was inspired by multiple sources, the main being the work of Robert Norman Ross, a famous oil on canvas painter. Other sources include the fascination of using vibrant colours in the pieces, and incorporating life-like features of nature into the artwork. Depending on the interpretation of the viewer, this artwork can mean many different things, but to the artist, it is the expression of how humans have impacted the environment. 24
JORDAN LANG
Year 11, Townsville State High School
Landscape in Print [detail]
Etching with watercolour on bark
2016
This piece is inspired by the quote 'true irony is drawing trees on paper." I love drawing trees and wanted to create something that did not require traditional paper as it kills the thing I love to create.
HAYLEY JEPSON
Year 11, Townsville State High School
Sakura Festival at Twilight [detail] Wire, fabric, paper
2016
I have an interest in all things Japanese and this was the inspiration for this outfit. The Japanese celebrate many festivals around spring for the blooming of cherry blossoms. My artwork was inspired by the young women who dress up for the festivals and light lanterns at night to celebrate love and to wish each other a happy marriage for later in life.
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BRIANNA SPRING
Year 12, William Ross State High School
Broken Hertitage [detail] Graphite
2016
The colonisation of Australia is one of many tragic events that have impacted on our indigenous people. Much of the culture of the indigenous people of Australia was lost and it is still effecting the indigenous people of this generation, including myself. In this work the Golden Wattle is used to symbolize Australia. I have drawn my left hand to reflect the indigenous culture sitting on the left shoulder while God sits on the right. When Australia was colonised the country was taken but Aboriginal culture was denied because that culture did not sit on the right shoulder.
STEPHANIE DOGAO
Year 12, William Ross State High School
Ride [detail] Acrylic paint
2016
This artwork is a symbolic representation of a journey from adolescence into adulthood. The semi-abstract couple, the bright colours and block forms reflect how intense the feelings can be in adolescence. The symbolic presence of a car is reinforced as the couple has been painted on a car bonnet. The car bonnet used was a spare for a Gemini car. For teenagers a car can represent freedom and escaping. The escape could be from parents or responsibility and can also mean leaving behind childhood. 26