is Artworks
Welcome to isArtworks, an interactive, online gallery presentation by Independent Schools Victoria.
The gallery showcases the artworks displayed at our annual student art exhibitions and specially themed collections from 2005 to present day.
isArtworks provides a dynamic viewing experience of the constantly evolving collection. It offers insights into the unique perspectives of young people as expressed through their artwork and the changing arts education landscape, as well as access to resources to support the design of classroom learning programs.
Creativity amid Covid
In my introduction to the catalogue for last year’s Student Art Exhibition, I observed that the works on display were an artistic time capsule of how students saw themselves and the world. In last year’s exhibition, it was the world before COVID-19, because the works were all conceived and created before the dramatic disruption caused by the pandemic. If works of art reflect the times they come from, I wonder what this year’s exhibition shows us?
Sixty artworks from six schools are on display this year, in ISV’s 16th annual Student Art Exhibition. This collection was created during the 2020 school year, which was disrupted by prolonged periods of remote learning for many students, bookended by brief periods of on-campus tuition.
Art, Remote Learning and Optimism
The creation of an artwork is not only an act of expression but also an act of optimism.
By having the courage to create, the student artists who have artwork in this year’s exhibition, have demonstrated a sense of confidence that by sharing their ideas and feelings, their perspective is both unique and valid.
The art they have made is their voice which becomes part of a rich conversation when it is shared through an exhibition experience.
Explore... 2021 galleries
ISV student art show through the years
ISV staff picks
Imaginative Mind by Lexi Schulz from Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten
I love the creativity and colour within this artwork, along with the use of random items and repurposing them in art as opposed to going to landfill. It shows that we can create one off, beautiful things in this world from old items, as opposed to the endless consumption of the finite resources we have on this earth.
– Antoine, Member Service Manager
Gaming Images by Jessie Lin, Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC)
As a huge anime fan this piece really stands out from the crowd for me. It reminds me of not only my childhood and my love for anime, but also my trip to Japan back in 2018. From the simplicity and vibrant colours used in the kawaii, chibi style versus the more detailed, dark and serious anime style, the artist is showing us two different anime drawing techniques from completely different worlds.
– Chantel, Graphic Designer
Untitled by Stella Northeast from Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC)
‘Regeneration’ came to my mind when I saw this image which immediately resonated with me along with the use of shades from my two favourite colours blue and green. It highlights our native plants incredible ability to regrow, bloom and thrive after what can be devastating bushfires and we as humans can learn a lot from mother nature when we dare to ‘listen’ to her, from loss comes great growth and our ability to change and adapt to what is happening around us is so important. I really feel like I could ‘un-fold’ the image outwards to see more detail as a ‘trickery’ to my eye, I am intrigued and want to discover what more is there.
– Heidi, Member Service Consultant
Vulnerability is Strength by Zoe Peterson, Christian College Geelong
This artwork is one of my favourites because it invokes strong emotions, and the photographer is truly a creative and artistic talent. The image resonates with freedom, with letting go and being one with nature. The highly skilled photographer has truly captured the glistening of the water, the sheer and delicate fabric of the dress, and the feelings of relief and thankfulness.
– Kate, Project Administrator
Vulnerability is Strength by Zoe Peterson, Christian College Geelong
I like this piece because when I see it, I hear in my head the words of a poem from my childhood:
‘Lying, robed in snowy white
That loosely flew to left and right
The leaves upon her falling light
Through the noises of the night
She floated down to Camelot…’
These words come from an epic poem in the grand lyric tradition: written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson about Elaine – a young noblewoman stranded by enchantment in a tower up river from Camelot. The story, linked with Arthurian legend, captured my imagination not for the seriousness of the subject, but because of the sound of the poem being read aloud and the way it taught me that the mere sounds of words can evoke mood.
I see this artwork and I hear my mother’s voice…and my own childhood voice reflecting hers.
Incidentally, this is also the poem which contains the words ‘the mirror crack’d from side to side’ which are used in so many contemporary books and films. Another group of words which evokes memory and mood.
This artwork evokes the same feelings for me. The water looks like silk, the woman is relaxed in it, yet there is something about the rose petals and the fabric that looks as though there is a greater story to be told. I can almost feel the the water, its slide against the skin, the warmth of fading sunlight overhead but the buoyancy of the cold below.
There is nothing to link this artwork to the poem – except in my head, and my lived experience. I have spent a lot of time in and on the water, and a lot of time reflecting on the impact of words on our approach to ourselves, others and the world.
So I chose this artwork not only because it is beautifully executed, but because of the response it evokes in me.
– Michelle, Chief Executive
Unconscious Realms by Louise Cade, Overnewton Anglican Community College
This artwork is full of contrast and oppositions – it says so much and can be interpreted in many different ways. It reminds me of a diptych, two separate pieces that work as one. It also speaks to me of forces bigger than ourselves. As humans, our lives rely on the sun and the moon; here, they’re simply puppets on a string, controlled by an even greater power.
– Peter M, Communications and Marketing Manager
Musician by Esther Hines, Christian College Geelong
To me, this image exhibits pure joy and love of music. The bright colours are amazing and the big smile of the young girl is gorgeous. I love that the instrument is almost as large as the girl. It purely demonstrates a love of music and highlights the positive effects music can always have in our lives. The image makes me smile.
– Rachel P, Communications Project Manager
Explore... 2020 galleries
