VCE SEASON OF EXCELLENCE

On Saturday 22 February, VCE Art students attended the NGV Kick Start 2020 conference. At this event, Ruyton’s Jen Wu presented her folio to teachers and students undertaking Art this year. She articulated her journey with authenticity and intelligence, and later spoke with students and educators about her artworks and future endeavours as an artist. Last year, Jen completed VCE Art at Ruyton, and from March 2020, her artwork will be exhibited at NGV Top Arts. Of 1714 applications, only 46 were selected. Jen was inspired by her mother’s calligraphy, as well as Chinese contemporary artist Sun Xun’s work. These influences translated into her drawings through the use of Chinese brushes. Over time, Jen drew more on influences and technology, and later discovered digital animation. Her theme was ‘Roots’. After completing Units 3 and 4 Art, Jen was encouraged to apply for Top Arts, as part of the VCE Season of Excellence programme at the VCAA. An annual exhibition, Top Arts showcases outstanding student works as part of their assessment for VCE Art and VCE Studio Arts. Understandably, Jen and the Ruyton community are very excited to see her work installed at the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia. Jolenta Kirkwood Learning Leader of Visual Arts

‘“Roots” explores the theme of Cultural Transmission by focusing on the importance of family bonds in the passing of cultural traditions and identity from one generation to the next. The animation draws imagery from my childhood memories shared with my family, featuring hand drawn frames of my memories of conversations in the car with my mother, my father in China (his homeland) and early memories of my mother helping me wash my hair as she told me Chinese folk tales. These memories shaped my understanding and perception of my own cultural identity as a second generation Chinese-Australian immigrant.’ – Jen Wu

The Season of Excellence is a five-month festival that showcases the very best VCE student work from the previous year. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) organise this prestigious event and in 2019, four Ruyton girls were recognised: Nicola I (‘20) performed her VCE Dance Solo in the VCE Season of Excellence programme at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Monday24 February. Laura Pryor (Drama Captain, ‘19) was selected to present her monologue performance at the Top Class Drama and Theatre Studies concert. Emma Sutherland (‘19) was shortlisted for VCAA Media. With over 1000 applications, this is an phenomenal achievement. Jen Wu (‘19) was selected to have her 2019 VCE Art work displayed at the Ian Potter Centre, NGV as part of the TopArtsexhibition.