Artistic works on display at the Virtual 12 Exhibition

The annual 12 Exhibition is an opportunity for our talented VCE Visual Communication Design, Studio Arts, Media, and Art students to showcase their impressive final works in a commercial gallery setting. In the past, the Exhibition has been staged in the Brightspace Gallery in St Kilda. In 2020 and 2021, the exhibition was reimagined for the virtual setting. Brightspace 2021 recreates the gallery and allows viewers to explore students’ artwork on the virtual walls of the gallery, and their films in the virtual Astor Theatre. For most students, this is the first time that their artwork will be displayed by a commercial gallery. The 12 Exhibition allows students to experience a transition from creating art as a student at St Michael’s, to leaving school and making art in a world beyond the School gates. Students, staff, family, friends and community members are encouraged to visit the 12 Exhibition to help us celebrate the incredible artistic talents of our Year 12 students. The gallery can be viewed by scanning the QR code here.

Tilda Lynch

VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN

The Frank Gallery is a purpose-built exhibition space (pictured above) drawing on the minimalist nature of Japanese architecture. On display is an assortment of works originating from the provinces of France to the islands of Japan. Visitors may enjoy the refreshing nature of the indoor gardens after an engaging glimpse of the collection, or perhaps the tranquility of the koi pond outside. Situated on a bed of sand, the gallery forecourt inspires meditation - rakes providing visitors an opportunity to create their own unique zen patterns in the sand. Featuring dark timber cladding and lightly tinted glass, the gallery is an ode to traditional Japanese culture. An architectural figure - providing an abundance of light-filled spaces, interior gardens and an open and flexible floorplan, the Frank Gallery is more than just a beautiful and functional space. It is a walk through culture and time. — Tilda (12S)

MIXED MEDIA

“If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos." — E. O. Wilson I explored the idea of environments with a focus on humans differing relationship to them. I chose this theme because I feel passionately about issues that impact the natural environment and want to be a catalyst for positive change. My aim was to create thought-provoking works that encourages people to look at their impact on the environment and ideally start the process living greener/helping the world. I analysed the connection between humans and the different environments, natural and man-made to show the possibility that these two don’t need to be separate but are entwined. — Isabel (12H)

Avi Morrison

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY

At the beginning of 2021, I had several ideas to drive my photographic process and folio for the duration of the year. One idea really stood out: take my passion for the starry night sky, as a way to develop and challenge my photography skills. The night sky is a way to escape the real world; to be mesmerised and lost within the galaxy. Astrophotography involves reproducing what the naked human eye can see and what it cannot see. By making this my subject matter for the year, I explored the concept of creating abstract and beautiful images of the night sky. My aim was to develop images that would make a connection with viewers, so they would take time to stop, wonder and question our universe. For them to have an image in which to get lost. This image has been duplicated and manipulated into a four-way mirrored image; mirrored vertically and horizontally. Producing abstract art with the night sky as my canvas. The milky way is a straight line across the image, creating a juxtaposition with the horizon, as the bushes build up towards the right for the whole length of the frame. — Avi (12H)