2016 ArtNow Publication

ArtNow

Pinnacles Gallery

26 August - 18 September 2016

PUBLISHER

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

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

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

Published

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

26 August - 18 September 2016

Gallery acknowledgements

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

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

David BALLIN

Year 12, Ayr State High School

Two-Faced Snapshots [detail] 2016

Coloured pencil

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] 2016

Wrapped driftwood and found materials

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.

Lauren BOZZETTO

Year 11, Ayr State High School

Urban Rural [detail] 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] 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.

Pen and ink

Papier mache and acrylic

NatalIA BlOOMFIELD

Year 12, Heatley Secondary College

Breast Cancer [detail] 2016

Acrylic and oil paint

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] 2016

Acrylic Paint

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.

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] 2016

Charcoal and watercolour

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.

Rachel Humphreys

Year 11, Kirwan State High School

Balance [detail] 2016

Mixed media collage

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.

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] 2016

Oil paint on canvas

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.

Madelyn Northeast

Year 12, Kirwan State High School

Contemporary Depictions [detail] 2016

Oil paint on canvas

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] 2016

Acrylic and ink on canvas

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.

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

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.

Mixed media wearable art

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] 2016

Series of five digital prints

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.

Talia LOSBERG

Year 12, Northern Beaches State High School

In the Burbs [detail] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

An exploration of colour within a built environment.

Skye ELLIOT

Year 12, Northern Beaches State High School

Inner Skye [detail] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

Stepping through my mind you can sometimes find the strangest things.

Romelita AFAMASAGA

Year 11, Northern Beaches State High School

Moana [detail] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

Connecting to my homeland through art.

Katelyn THOMPSON

Year 11, Northern Beaches State High School

Factor Green [detail] 2016

Mixed media

Although the factories come and go, nature eventually wins over.

Byron HOWELLS

Year 12, Pimlico State High School

What Lies Beneath [detail] 2016

Acrylic dry-point etching

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] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

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.

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] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

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.

Natasha LYON

Year 11, Pimlico State High School

Self-Portrait [detail] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

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] 2016

Mixed media wearable art

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.

Hanah WHYTE

Year 12, Pimlico State High School

What’s On Your Plate? [detail] 2016

Mixed media on canvas

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] 2016

Mixed media on canvas

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.

Emily HORN

Year 11, Pimlico State High School

Pony in Pink [detail] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

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] 2016

Mixed media on canvas

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.

Sharisse Tonner

Year 12, Ryan Catholic College

Toxic Void [detail] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

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.

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.

Jessica Harrebomee

Year 12, St Margaret Mary’s College

Elevation of Identity [detail] 2016

Ceramic,

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.

Year 12, St Margaret Mary’s College

Flaws [detail] 2016

Watercolour

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.

found objects, mixed media and audio visual installation

Shelby Lidgerwood

and fineliner on 300gsm paper

Jami McIntyre

Year 12, St Margaret Mary’s College

How Do You View Yourself [detail] 2016

Pencil and watercolour on paper

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.

Emma Medill

Year 12, The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James

Bound to the Screen [detail]

Acrylic paint and ink on paper

2016

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.

Chloe Pollard

Year 11, Townsville State High School

The Painter [detail] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

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] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

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.

AMY RIDGLEY

Year 12, William Ross State High School

Travel Tags [detail] 2016

Ink, watercolour and collage

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] 2016

Graphite

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.

Caroline Waugh

Year 12, William Ross State High School

Disney's Progression [detail] 2016

Mixed media boxes

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] 2016

Watercolour, ink, fine-liner, thread

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.

Tiana DeZolt

Year 12, Ayr State High School

Child SoldiersLoss of Innocence [detail] 2016

Acrylic on recycled board panels

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] 2016

Acrylic paint and metal on canvas

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.

Regina Sarunn

Year 12, Calvary Christian College

Don't Look at Me [detail] 2016 Acrylic paint on canvas

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.

Pinnacles Gallery 26 August - 18 September 2016

North Queensland regional exhibition 2016

Publisher

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 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

Published on the occasion of the exhibition

North Queensland regional exhibition 2016

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

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

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] 2016

Lino, cow skulls, mixed media

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.

NINA ANNAND

Year 12, Bowen State High School

Accepting Genetics [detail] 2016

Acrylic paint on MDF board

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] 2016 Clay, wire, fabric, acrylic paint

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.

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] 2016

Pencil, makeup, pen

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”?

PAIGE BROWNLEE

Year 12, Heatley Secondary College

Warning [detail] 2016

Mixed media

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] 2016 Collage

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.

ANNA TA

Year 11, Heatley Secondary College

A Change of Light [detail] 2016

Acrylic paint, foam, fine tip

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] 2016

Mixed media

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.

GEORGIA ANDERSON

Year 12, Kirwan State High School

Ineffable Soul [detail] 2016

Acrylic paint and mixed media

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] 2016

Mixed media

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.

CHARLOTTE BLAGG

Year 12, Kirwan State High School

Continuation [detail] 2016

Watercolour, ink and pen

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] 2016

Oil on canvas

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.

DARCY ARROWSMITH

Year 12, Pimlico State High School

Interconnectedness [detail] 2016

Acrylic and pastel on canvas

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.

TIANA O’BRIEN

Year 12, Pimlico State High School

Find me where the music plays [detail] 2016

Mixed media and audio

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] 2016

Digital print

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.

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.

GRACE ATKINSON

Year 12, Ryan Catholic College

Emeline's Ruins [detail] 2016

Acrylic on board

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] 2016

Acrylic and spray paint

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'.

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] 2016

Colour pencil, acrylic, soft pastel 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.

ABBEY FELDT

Year 12, St Margaret Mary's College

The Faces of Abbey [detail] 2016

Acrylic, modelling paste on canvas

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] 2016

Mixed media collage on paper

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.

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] 2016

Acrylic paint

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.

IRISH ARANETA

Year 12, St Patrick's College Townsville

Act of Rebellion: People Are People [detail] 2016

Wire, wood, mod rock, acrylic

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] 2016

Charcoal

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.

CAITLYN SIMMS

Year 12, The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James

Puppets in the hands of Society [detail] 2016

Pen on paper with cotton

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] 2016

Acrylic paint and impasto

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.

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] 2016

Mixed media

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.

DACHE GEIGER

Year 12, Townsville Grammar School

Samuel [detail] 2016

Graphite pencil

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] 2016

Graphite, charcoal and pen

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.

CARA DOHNALEK

Year 12, Townsville Grammar School

Consumed by the 21st Century [detail] 2016

Oil on canvas painting

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] 2016

Black pen on paper

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.

KODI ABRAHAM

Year 11, Townsville State High School

What Makes

A Home [detail] 2016

Acrylic on canvas

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] 2016

Acrylic and Watercolour on paper

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.

JORDAN LANG

Year 11, Townsville State High School

Landscape in Print [detail] 2016 Etching with watercolour on bark

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] 2016 Wire, fabric, paper

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.

BRIANNA SPRING

Year 12, William Ross State High School

Broken Hertitage [detail] 2016 Graphite

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] 2016

Acrylic paint

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.