Art outside comfort zones

When it comes to Term 3 of the school year, many of our VCE Art and IB Visual Arts students are bringing their final assessment folios toward completion, with defined areas of focus within their chosen medium or subject matter. For MLC’s Head of Art and Design, Mark Threadgold, however, this is the perfect moment to shake up their creative practice and introduce an element of risk. “Enabling students to extend beyond their comfort zone leads to improved outcomes,” says Mark. MLC’s Artist in Residence program sees a rotation of celebrated artists visit the College and collaborate with students across year levels. “The program provides our students with frequent exposure to learn directly from leading contemporary artists and connect with industry,” Mark explains. Creative bravery was clearly on display during an Artists in Residence workshop between nationally renowned contemporary Australian artist, Kerrie Poliness, and our Year 11 IB Art students. Known for her large abstract instructional drawings, students participated collectively with Kerrie in making an artwork that spanned the walls of the James Tatoulis Auditorium in the Music School, a large visible display for the whole College to enjoy. Another Artist in Residence was internationally acclaimed artist Atong Atem, a South Sudanese-born artist whose vibrant and stylised photographs are interested in decolonising the representation of African people.

IB Visual Art students had the incredible opportunity of working with artist Kerrie Poliness to create a graphic mural. For budding photographer Jenny Storey (Year 11) the opportunity to get to know Atong and her work was unmissable: “Photography is one of my own preferred mediums, so I was able to connect with Atong about her journey.” Atong’s presentation also introduced Jenny to an entirely new creative process: “Before her presentation I had not thought to blend two mediums together such as textiles and photography, but Atong is truly an inspiration when it comes to this.” Meanwhile, Zoe Chen (Year 11) was eager to learn from Callum Morton, an award-winning artist and professor in the Department of Fine Art at Monash University, whose work she describes as, “architecturally based sculpture works.” “He enhances the connection between the audience and his works not only visually, but with tactile and auditory senses.” For both students, they acknowledge the unique environment and opportunities in which to develop as an artist. “By offering countless classroom and co-curricular activities, there is always an array of things to try. The environment at MLC is supportive and understanding. I always felt comfortable in taking new bold and creative risks,” says Jenny. Zoe agrees: “The MLC art program has motivated me to take more risks in my creative practice through a wide exposure to various artists and guest speakers, but also through discussions with my peers and teachers.”

Visiting artist Atong Atem discusses the inspirations behind her photography work, and how to pursue a career as an artist with Photography students.