Creativity and Dedication

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Art and Design and Moving Image Arts Showcase 2024

At Wallace High School creativity knows no bounds. The annual Art and Design and Moving Image Arts (MIA) showcase is a testament to the talent and dedication of our students. The showcase takes place annually at Wallace and is an important date in our school calendar.

This year, we were thrilled to be able to present an eclectic array of artwork crafted by our GCSE, AS, and A Level students. Our showcase allows for their unique perspectives and artistic prowess to shine. We are always delighted to see staff, students, parents and the wider school community supporting this celebratory event.

To view the full range of art on display, please watch the video links below:

To help prepare students for their final examination pieces, we held a series of workshops to inspire and develop skills to be honed throughout the academic year. The GCSE and A Level students had the fabulous opportunity to take part in a dry-point etching workshop, expertly guided by Bangor based artist, Robert Peters.  Peters, an established artist who is keenly aware of the artistic demands of the syllabus, led students through the printmaking process while concentrating on colour, line and shape.  Dry-point etching as a process allows the artist to achieve prints which can be produced in multiples, allowing further creative experimentation, whether in stitch or paint, which can be seen in many of the students’ work.

GCSE

GCSE students have poured their hearts and souls into their creations, exploring various mediums and techniques to express their creativity. From vibrant paintings to informative posters, their artwork reflects a diverse range of themes and inspirations, most notably the theme of ‘Waste’ for their examination project. Visitors to the showcase were captivated by the depth of understanding and imagination conveyed through these young artists’ work.

AS Level

Our AS Level students embarked on a journey of artistic exploration, pushing the boundaries of their skills and concepts based on the theme of ‘Hidden’. Their pieces demonstrate a keen understanding of art principles and a willingness to experiment with new ideas. Whether it’s experimental photography, mixed media collages or skillful painting, each artwork invites viewers to ponder and interpret its meaning.

A Level

The A Level students reached new heights of artistic excellence, showcasing maturity and sophistication in their creations. Their work delved into the complex theme of ‘Viewpoints’, challenging societal norms and pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. From evocative oil paintings to avant-garde digital art, each piece reflects the culmination of years of dedication and artistic development.

The showcase was not just about the finished artwork, but also the journey of artistic growth and self-discovery undertaken by our students. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of expression. Throughout the showcase, visitors had the opportunity to engage with the artists, gaining insights into their inspirations, techniques and aspirations.

Reflecting on a very busy and productive year for the Art and Design Department, Head of Department, Mrs McPolin, stated:

“We are immensely proud of the artistic journey our students have embarked upon this year. Their dedication, passion and willingness to explore new ideas have culminated in an excellent display of creativity. From the bold strokes of our GCSE students to the sophisticated concepts of our A Level artists, each piece reflects the technical skill and depth of thought behind it. It’s truly inspiring to witness their growth as artists and I do not doubt that their work will leave a lasting impression on all who attended the art showcase.”

The MIA Department held a remarkable showcase featuring an impressive collection of films and animations created by our GCSE and A Level students. This event was a tribute to the creativity, technical skill and dedication of our young filmmakers.  Students drew inspiration from a broad range of directors and genres, each bringing their unique perspective to the screen. The quality of the work on display was a clear reflection of the countless hours of effort and perseverance invested by the students. Whether it was the meticulous editing, the detailed set designs or subtle performances by enthusiastic, non-professional actors, every aspect of these films and animations demonstrated a commitment to excellence.

Head of MIA, Mrs Lucas, commented:

“The Moving Image Arts Department is delighted by the achievements of our students. This showcase not only celebrated their current accomplishments, but also hinted at the bright futures ahead for these aspiring filmmakers and animators.”

To find out more about Art and MIA at Wallace, access the link below:

Last modified: June 21, 2024