Visual Arts: Focus on Experiential Learning
Early in Term 1, Years 10 and 11 Visual Arts students enjoyed a rich and exciting three-day Art Camp at Bundanon, the picturesque property generously donated to the State by artist Arthur Boyd. During the camp, students produced a range of drawings and paintings using diverse media, informed by their studies of the Shoalhaven River, surrounding bushland, and landscape. These works were further developed back at school, and the students’ visually powerful charcoal drawings are currently on display on the art room wall.
Years 11 and 12 students participated in an all-day excursion to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where they viewed ARTEXPRESS—a curated collection of some of the most accomplished HSC Bodies of Work from 2025—as well as Encounter, the major survey exhibition by hyperrealist sculptor Ron Mueck. Many students drew directly on this experience and their research for their recent assessment essay on exhibitions and collections, responding thoughtfully to the extraordinary realism and conceptual depth of these works.
As part of the excursion, students also visited Edge of the Trees by Fiona Foley and Janet Laurence at the Museum of Sydney before walking on to the Museum of Contemporary Art. There, they explored Data Dreams: Art and AI and Yasmin Smith’s Elemental Life. Although it was a full and demanding day, many students demonstrated impressive commitment by choosing to stay longer to view additional artworks and video works in the Data Dreams exhibition. This level of engagement reflects our senior students’ profound interest in the ways art both shapes and comments on contemporary society.
Across the school, Years 6 to 11 Visual Arts students have been developing artworks in response to this year’s theme, On the Edge, interpreting the concept in diverse and imaginative ways through a range of materials and techniques. Students are looking forward to presenting their completed works in Term 3 at the annual Art and Design Show.
