JOHANNATOURNAY CLASSOF2026
Johanna is a BTEC Arts student at ISB. Drawn to the practical and concept-driven nature of the BTEC pathway, she has developed a strong visual style through experimentation and reflection, supported by dedicated teachers and a hands-on learning environment. She will continue her studies in Total Design at IED Madrid, wheresheisexcitedtoexploredesignacrossmultipledisciplinesandbuildastrong foundationforhercreativefuture.
How long have you been at ISB, and what drew you to the BTEC Visual Arts pathway?
I’ve been at ISB since 2020 I was drawn to the BTEC programme because it offers practical,in-depthtrainingforafutureindesign.Thestructureofthecoursesuitedthe wayIthinkandwork,allowingmetodevelopideasbothconceptuallyandvisually.
HowwouldyoudescribeyouroverallexperienceasaBTECVisualArtsstudent?
BTEC has helped me enormously in developing and discovering my visual style by encouraging experimentation and reflection. It also taught me how to lead projects throughconceptandintention,ratherthanfocusingonlyonthefinalvisualoutcome.
WhathasbeenyourfavouriteprojectorpieceduringyourtimeatISB?
My favourite project so far has been Evidence in Decay, which explored security as a constructed illusion upheld by neo-colonial power and media distortion. Through projection,collage,andchemicallydistressedimagery,theworkreflectstheerosionof truthandconfrontsWesternspectatorship,complicity,andresponsibility
InwhatwayshasISBsupportedyourgrowthasanartist?
ISB has consistently provided the materials and support needed to develop and executemyideas,whileencouragingmetothinkbiggerandmoreconceptuallyinmy work
Couldyoutelluswhereandwhatyou’llbestudyingnext?Whatexcitesyoumost abouttheprogramme?
I’m planning to study Total Design at IED Madrid What excites me most is the interdisciplinaryapproachandthefreedomtoexploredesignacrossmultiplefields.
HowdoyouplantocontinueyourvisualartsjourneyafterISB?
I plan to complete the Total Design foundational programme, then likely study art history,followedbyamaster’sdegreeinanthropology Mygoalistopursueacareerin curation,eitherwithinmuseumsorpublishing.
Werethereanyclasses,teachers,orexperiencesatISBthathadastrongimpact onyourcreativedevelopment?
Ms Pardo in the BTEC Art Programme had a huge impact on my journey She has alwaysbeenincrediblyinvestedandsupportive,constantlypushingmetodeepenmy ideasbothconceptuallyandvisually.
Whatadvicewouldyougivetootherstudentspassionateaboutthearts?
Find your own visual style and preferences, discover the techniques and aesthetics you’redrawnto,andtakethetimetorefinethem.