A Year 10 Perspective

On Thursday 17 August, Year 9 and 10 Visual Arts classes visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Sydney Modern Gallery. Year 10 headed to the Sydney Modern first where we collaborated in a participatory installation “Archive of Minds”, by making clay spheres and adding them to the installation. We found the activity fun, as not many artworks are interactive. Year 9 and 10 classes then viewed the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes. We were able to take a closer look at the artworks by taking thorough notes about the ones we enjoyed most, based on its structure, meaning and aesthetics.  We had lunch in the Domain, enjoying the sunshine and the open grassy area. After lunch we headed back to the Sydney Modern Gallery to view an exhibition called ‘Dreamhome’ and viewed the Indigenous gallery. A great excursion enjoyed by all! 

By Giselle Roson Year 10

A Year 9 Perspective

Last Thursday, on the 17 of August, the Year 9 and 10 Visual Art students visited the Art Gallery of NSW. At 8:45 am, these Art students awaited the bus in front of the Sports Office. We were all excited about this trip. We wanted this trip to strengthen our friendships with one another. Many conversations, both loud and quiet, were spread throughout the bus. Laughs and whispers echoed and sometimes caused a chain reaction within the students. 

Before entering the Art Gallery we settled down in front of the entrance of the Botanic Gardens. We instantly felt thrilled for the day that we had ahead of us. As we sat and ate our recess, we began to discuss the marvellous view of the gallery itself. We pondered about the different sorts of artworks that lie inside knowing many have been treasured for decades. A series of emotions began to come to us as we still couldn’t believe that the day we have been waiting for has finally come. Bonding with each other about our shared likeness of art was a great beginning of the day, before entering the gallery. 

Upon arriving at the gallery, we were instantly hooked by the impressive sight of the first building. We took a group photo, then ventured inside. Our excitement had peaked once we entered the gallery and marvelled at its inner beauty. The interior was an even greater atmosphere to wrap our heads around, because the delicate designs of the walls, the ceilings and even the floor, reminded us of something you’d see in movies. 

The units in Year 9 Visual Arts that we were currently focusing on were Landscapes and Still Life, so we kept a lookout for them. We swept through the rooms like flipping through book pages. There were paintings framed with burnished gold of historical illustrations and impressive scenic views and landmarks, paintings of dormant household items, canvases so large that they swallowed up walls, and sculptures captured in glass cases. One of the more impressive works was the mirrors bordering a single structure that created a perplexing illusion of an infinite building stretching into what the ceiling and floor were altered as an empty canyon. It was all mesmerising. We were drawn to each artwork, their distinct painting styles and the colours crafted to capture. And of course, we took photos. 

Walking throughout the art gallery gave us amazement. The diverse amount of artworks had their very own spark. Still being absorbed into the paintings, we had realised the artworks of the Young Archies had come upon our gaze. The Young Archie, is a competition held by the Art Gallery of NSW that encourages youth to express creativity through a portrait. As we entered this section we were astonished by the skillful artworks from young people our age. They all had their unique story and touches, making it fascinating to look at. It was definitely an inspiration to catch sight of the Young Archies art. Especially having a passion for art, artworks created by artists our age have motivated us to keep cherishing and undoubtedly enjoy art. 

As students did not know that this excursion would be a memorable experience in our high school life. We gathered happiness as well as peace from viewing these well-known art pieces. Smiles creased on our faces when we found an artist or an artwork that was familiar to us. New information filled our brains and stayed in our memory. For some, this was the first time they entered the Art Gallery of NSW. When we entered this gallery, we did not expect nor think that our emotions would replicate the sunlight that shone on that day. Photos and selfies were taken with artwork, friends, teachers and classmates. On that bus ride back to our school, we felt relieved that we escaped reality and entered the creative world of Art. 

By Lovinia Camasosa, Jilliane Castrodes and Cassandra Tuyor