ArtNow
ArtNow Pinnacles Gallery
23 August – 14 September 2014
PUBLISHER
Gallery Services, Townsville City Council
PO Box 1268
Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia
pinnacles@townsville.qld.gov.au
+61 7 4773 8871
© Gallery Services, Townsville City Council and the authors 2014
Exhibition organised by GALLERY SERVICES
Shane Fitzgerald Manager Gallery Services
Eric Nash Curator Gallery Services
Jo Stacey Team Leader Administration Gallery Services
Michael Pope Exhibitions and Collections Coordinator
Amber Church Education and Programs Coordinator
Rob Donaldson Digital Media and Exhibition Design Coordinator
Sarah Welch Public Art Officer
Alex Shapley Exhibitions Officer
Holly Grech-Fitzgerald Collections Management Officer
Tegan Ollett Education and Programs Officer
Carly Sheil Digital Media and Exhibition Design Officer
Gillian Ribbins Administration Officer
Wendy Bainbridge Administration Officer
Danielle Berry Arts Officer
Michelle Littman Gallery Assistant
Patricia Dunn Gallery Assistant
Damian Cumner Gallery Assistant
Rurik Henry Gallery Assistant
Pinnacles Gallery
20 Village Blvd, Townsville QLD 4817 (07) 4773 8871
pinnacles@townsville.qld.gov.au
www.bit.ly/pinntcc
@TCC_Pinnacles
/PinnaclesTCC
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Monday Closed
Published on the occasion of the exhibition
ArtNow
Pinnacles Gallery
23 August - 14 September 2014
Registration team
Michael Pope / Amber Church / Tegan Ollett
Publication design and development
Carly Sheil / Amber Church / Tegan Ollett
Typeset in 7 - 12pt Droid Serif (text)
Edo (title and headings)
Photography: All photography by school staff and students
Gallery acknowledgements
Gallery Services would like to acknowledge the generous support and assistance of Townsville City Council in realising this exhibition.
A special thankyou to Melinda Gould, Regional Coordinator for Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art. Thanks also to all participating schools, teachers and students:
• Bowen State High School (Bowen)
• Gilroy Santa Maria College (Ingham)
• Heatley Secondary College (Townsville)
• Home Hill State High School (Home Hill)
• Kirwan State High School (Townsville)
• Northern Beaches State High School (Townsville)
• Pimlico State High School (Townsville)
• Saint Margaret Mary’s College (Townsville)
• Saint Patricks College (Townsville)
• Townsville Grammar School (Townsville)
• William Ross State High School (Townsville)
Artnow
ArtNOW is an exhibition of works by senior students from the north Queensland region; delivered as part of Gallery Services’ Creative Classrooms Program. This annual exhibition is the result of ongoing collaboration between Gallery Services and secondary schools across the north.
The exhibition is open to all students who are currently studying any Authority or Non-Authority Creative Arts subject in Year 11 or 12. Students are given no restrictions on subject matter or mediums and the exhibition is inclusive of all art forms.
Participants in the exhibition learn important skills in transitioning from student to practising artist, including how to submit work for an exhibition, prepare artwork for display, and how to articulate their concepts and processes.
ArtNOW recognises the creativity and diverse talents of young and emerging artists within our community. This year’s exhibition is no exception with 59 student works from 11 secondary schools on display.
Gallery Services is proud to support and showcase the work of our latest creative generation.
Amber Church Education and Programs Coordinator Gallery Services
Mitzi ANNAND
Bowen State High School
Horses, Self, Purity [detail] 2014
Clay
I have created a horse to represent myself as I have grown up riding horses. It is where I feel most at home and most connected to my true identity. Using my favourite medium, clay, I designed a hollow horse with a hidden white figure to show the pure part of my identity that is always relaxed, centred and happy when surrounded by horses.
Siu FITIKeFU
Bowen State High
School
Self Portrait [detail] 2014
Charcoal and ink
My self-portrait, using charcoal and variations of green ink, is a reflection of the connection I have with nature. I am at peace when I am immersed in greenery.
KAITLYN GOULD
Bowen State High School
Window in Time [detail] 2014
Mixed media in reclaimed window frame
This artwork is separated into three sections to represent three generations of women in my family. Objects from each era represent the expectations of women over time. I believe women are strong and independent and having a prominent female influence is important. My mother and grandmother have both been strong influences in my life and identity.
Karla PADILLA
Self Portrait [detail] 2014
Pencil and charcoal on paper
Within this study of myself I have begun to explore the potential path of my future. I combine both graphite and charcoal to represent the divergent paths in front of me. Graphite is sturdy, reliable and precise while charcoal is its wild counterpart, bold, daring and dramatic. Which will I be?
Bowen State High School
Evelyn PUPUNHATOA
Bowen State High School
Self Portrait [detail] 2014
Charcoal on paper
My life has been full of experiences both positive and negative, but when I reflect back I know that all my experiences have made me what I am today. I will build on my past to create a better future.
Tania TAYLOR
Bowen State High School
Fame in Detail [detail] 2014
Clay
I choose Zac Effron as a subject as he is a popular celebrity. I worked hard to achieve an accurate resemblance by focusing on Zac Effrons face in great detail. As a result, I now see him as a human with many flaws like the rest of us, using blue to suggest the fading emotions going through his mind.
Hailey JARDINE
Gillroy
Santa Maria CollegeThere are plenty more fish in the sea [detail] 2014
Ply, acrylic, mixed media and sticky tape
There are many women in the world but only one is the perfect match. Each of the 100 fish represents a female personality, varying from cute cheerleader to darker sad personalities. The fisherman fishes for his perfect match and he catches her, hook line and sinker. She is made from fish scales and is exactly the kind of woman he has been searching for.
Taisha Patterson-Burr
Gillroy
Santa Maria CollegeThe Keys of Life [detail] 2014
Assemblage, gouache and gold leaf
This piece explores the secret of life. The first opens to a landscape representing the environment, the second reveals the importance of society and relationships depicted by an Irish symbol of friendship, love and loyalty. The final key is faith, represented by the Greek Chi-Ro symbol circled by Koi Fish; the Chinese symbol for determination.
Taylah-Jane Adams
Heatley Secondary College
Cancer is not forgiving [detail] 2014
Wood, acrylic paint
This artwork is a tribute to my aunty as she died four years ago from cancer. She was the most loving and caring person who put other people’s problems before her own. The skulls and coffin signify her death caused by cancer, while the number 5 signifies my lucky number and feelings of hope.
Abubaker ELMASRI
Heatley Secondary College
Wisdom is a mask [detail] 2014
Lead pencil on paper
This artwork shows that sometimes to display your wisdom you have to hide behind a mask. The owl mask symbolises wisdom. The girl wears the mask to show adults she is not a child and she has wisdom. The drawing was created using shading and blending to reproduce the different surfaces.
tien ektasaeng
Heatley Secondary College
Flying Love (love never stays the same) [detail] 2014
Pencil on paper
This work suggests that people should be treated with respect and love, but this love never stays the same. In the foreground of the work, a poem describes relationships like sand. Hold it loosely; with respect and freedom for the other person, it is likely to remain intact. But hold it too tightly, too possessively, and the relationship slips away and is lost.
Maddason gofton
Heatley Secondary College
Serene Valley [detail] 2014
Acrylic paint on canvas (triptych)
I have created this painting using acrylic paint. I blended the paint to get a realistic effect. The message I’m trying to get across is a calm serene place where you can relax with calm waters and lovely trees. The painting works well in a triptych as your eyes follow the scene across three canvases.
Kimberley BOURKE
Home Hill State High School
Death by Drought [detail] 2014
Barbed wire on timber slats
Inspired by the effects of drought, I aimed to develop a sculpture which spoke for itself. Death by Drought endeavours to capture the devastation of drought through the death of cattle. The media in this work portrays the true desolation experienced in time of drought, as barbed wire is considered to be ‘harsh’, ‘dangerous’ and ‘tough’.
Sheldan Brown
Kirwan State High School
Unseen Fragments [detail] 2014
Acrylic, lino print, ink, collage
Unseen Fragments represents key aspects of my life as each layer of the palimpsest reveals a different experience. The lady represents me; the flower signifies the good and the bad, life and death. The lino print explores my New Zealand heritage and my identity. Finally the butterflies represent the passing of my mother.
Marinel dimalig
Kirwan State High School
Mad Milva Castle [detail] 2014
Mixed media
I have created this artwork to represent my childhood memories. The castle on the left represents my childhood dreams; as a child I would see a Disney Castle in every Disney movie. I would always think and say that ‘one day I will go to Hong-Kong and see Disney World’.
kiana dixon
Kirwan State High School
Grandma [detail] 2014
Lino print, acrylic, collage
My artwork is about my Grandma. It represents her drawings from university and her study of art between the years of 1983 and 1986. Her work is always about flora and fauna. The lino print in my work is my grandma’s signature. This artwork represents how she influences my life and my artwork today.
Toni DYKSTRA
Kirwan State High School
London [detail] 2014
Acrylic, lino print
London explores my identity, both past and present. This artwork represents my past, exploring London and appreciating the beauty of the city. The main image in my artwork is Big Ben as I stood underneath Big Ben and admired its beauty. London is my past and aspirational future as I hope to visit again next year.
Jayde GRIFFITHS
My Dad [detail] 2014
Acrylic
My artwork represents my Dad and his time in Afghanistan. My work is based on a photograph that my Dad took whilst he was serving in Afghanistan. He has a photo album of photos from his time there, but doesn’t speak much about his experience. These photos give me an insight into his life there.
Kirwan State High School
Tayla HILLER
Kirwan State High School
West Beach 2014
Mixed media on canvas
This piece focuses on the past, present and future, represented in each of the three canvases. The past is on the left and is full of memories that cannot be changed. The middle canvas is the present featuring a path, which represents a journey. The canvas on the right is the future, rough, messy and uncertain.
Keanii LANKFORD
Everybody Hurts [detail] 2014
Ceramic, mixed media
Romanticism of mental illnesses has become some sort of sickening and tasteless trend amongst younger generations, found in abundance, on the internet and throughout popular culture. Everybody Hurts confronts the viewer into grappling with the sensationalised, pretty and tacky superficiality of society against the dark hideous and gruesome truth of mental illness.
Kirwan State High School
Christine laranang
Kirwan State High School
Game of perception [detail] 2014
Timber box, mixed media
This work is a historical, psychological and critical view on poverty. The flashcards crystallise my feelings, thoughts and personal experience about poverty. The flashcards are a game, like truth or a dare, conveying a deeper meaning. I have learnt to “treasure and appreciate what you have in life because you’ll never know when it’s gone”.
Claudia matakaiongo
Kirwan State High School
Malohi [detail] 2014
Mixed media on canvas
Malohi is the Tongan word for ‘strong’. I come from a traditional culture where women have very defined roles which are still practiced today. Malohi is about my journey of gathering my inner strengths to hold on to cultural values, whilst expressing myself freely without judgment as a modern woman in this contemporary society.
Ami SATO
Kirwan State High School
Far Away From Home [detail] 2014
Acrylic, biro
As a Japanese exchange student, this artwork represents my experience of my exchange to Australia. The feet represent how I have been able to “stand by myself” since moving to Australia, making new friends and networks. I remember the airport when I left Brisbane for Townsville. The yellow lines signify the Brisbane train line.
Jessica spencer
Schizo [detail] 2014
Plaster, timber and Perspex
Schizophrenia affects one per cent of the world’s population and it impedes a person’s perception of reality and their ability to process things the way the majority would. Schizo crystallises the complexity and fragility of our minds and highlights the fine line between sanity through medication and aberration.
Kirwan State High School
Abigail clay-mashall
Northern Beaches State High School
You Are Who You Are [detail] 2014
Digital image
She is not like other people. She doesn’t want to be like all the other people in this world. She is her own person, not bound by rules or regulations, not pressured by society or their expectations. She is proud to call herself an individualist. This is what it means to be the person you are.
TAYLA DYER
Northern Beaches State High School
Neptune: King of the Sea [detail] 2014
Digital image
Neptune: King of the Sea is my visual representation of the Roman God Neptune. Neptune lives in the sea, and as such, he has adapted to the surrounding aquatic environment by developing gills and scales. The serious expression on his face combined with his regal posture, radiates a powerfulness that is hard to ignore.
Jaymie EDWARDS
Northern Beaches State High School
Dirty [detail] 2014
Digital image
I have wondered why people like this image. I can’t see what it is that my friends and classmates find so appealing, particularly in the way she looks and how the image feels. To me, this was just a happy accident, a moment where the model and the camera did all the work for me.
Jessica HAWKINS
Northern Beaches State High School
Goggle [detail] 2014
Digital image
This photograph is an accurate representation of the model’s personality; weird and quirky. Breihz is a very active and enthusiastic person; always happy and outgoing. The googly glasses and the expression on her face are typical of her craziness.
Sarah Melville
Northern Beaches State High School
Country Beauty [detail] 2014
Digital image
Country style is more than just a fashion look; ‘country’ is a lifestyle. It reflects the rough, raw style of riding, the rodeos held in celebration and the music that tells stories of life, love and loss. ‘Country’ is a state of being and this photograph embodies all that I find beautiful in country life.
Billie Mullings
Northern Beaches State High School
If Looks
Could Kill [detail] 2014
Digital image
As Emily’s friend, my vision of her has been expressed in the gritty and raw manipulation of the photograph. It shows the person I have always known her to be; strong, determined and focused. The eyes are the door to the soul – her eyes are in a fixated stare; nothing is going to get in her way.
BillY phan
Northern Beaches State High School
Looking Back [detail] 2014
Digital image
Looking Back depicts the model’s life and shows that his past is full of regret. He is looking over his shoulder, back at his life, wishing his past would disappear but at the same time thanking it for making him the man he is today.
Krystal prasser
Northern Beaches State High School
Shadows [detail] 2014
Digital image
This image illustrates the shadows in a person’s life. It shows that while one side it may seem bright and happy, the other may be dark, with secrets, troubles and sadness. The girl in the picture has a thoughtful, contemplating expression on her face, which suggests that she is thinking and reflecting on her life.
Mitchell THOMAS
Northern Beaches State High School
Rania [detail] 2014
Digital image
Rania is a photograph of my little sister. She is 12 years old and she loves her dinosaur ‘onesie’. This image captures her lovable nature, her innocence and her individuality.
Michael van akkeren
Northern Beaches State High School
The Road to Heaven [detail] 2014
Digital image
The image depicts a solitary girl making her way along an empty, isolated path. She is unaware of her destination, but even so, she continues her journey. Before she knows it, the ‘girl in blue’ is on the road to heaven, and absolute tranquillity.
Tangled Objects [detail] 2014
Beyond my physical appearance, this self-portrait contains a variety of objects which are symbolic of my interests and hobbies; including my love of reading, the natural environment, travel, art, sewing and design. My sister, who is also an important aspect of my life, is included in the photo booth style picture.
The Greatest Commandment [detail] 2014
My self-portrait utilises symbolism to convey various aspects of myself. Black and white reflects elegance and humility, both of which I strive to obtain. I have included the various Hebrew names of God to reflect my personal relationship with God. The red rose symbolises unconditional love, while the calm, neutral expression shows inner peace and growing self-awareness.
Tamara bobin
Pimlico State High School
Acrylic and paper on canvas
Brooke Hurditch Pimlico State High School
Acyrlic and graphite on canvas
PYU SAN MIN
Pimlico State High School
Past and Present [detail] 2014
Acrylic on canvas
This self-portrait painting makes use of symbolism to represent both my past and present. On the left hand side, the sun’s rays, mountains, bridge, traditional clothes and statue of Buddha, all represent my nationality and culture of the Karen state. The right hand side features iconic symbols of Australia, while the Pimlico SHS uniform depicts the present.
Claire-Marie Pepper
Pimlico State High School
Australian
Outback [detail] 2014
Tree bark and charcoal on board
This artwork explores the Australian outback using tree bark and charcoal to reflect the colours and textures of this unique landscape. The work communicates the beauty of the outback, while at the same time highlighting the negative impact of humans on this environment - in this case by cargo and petrol trains camouflaged beyond the trees.
Karina SEYNER
Pimlico State High School
Two Sides to Every Story [detail] 2014
Acrylic on canvas
Two Sides to Every Story represents individuality. The uncommon white tiger, my favourite animal, is fierce, strong and dominant. The ‘human side’ however, represents vulnerability. I was inspired to create this image from a digital artwork Half Human by Lucifers. This self-portrait gives insight into who I am, beyond my physical appearance.
Paris SUGDEN
Pimlico State High School
Sugar Rush [detail] 2014
Gouache and artline pen
Sugar Rush is an extension of a year 11 Visual Art Studies unit. The focus of this unit was Illustration which I thoroughly enjoyed. Therefore I decided to create an artwork that was an extension of this. I found gouache very interesting as a medium and decided to experiment further with the bright and vibrant colours that gouache offers to achieve a bold popart style
Taylor collings
Saint Margaret Mary’s College
Fiery Spirit [detail] 2014
Oil pastel on cartridge
I was inspired to paint this portrait of my oldest sister, Samantha Collings, because of her ‘fiery spirit’ and passion for the world around her. I used colours such as red, orange and brown to express the warmth in Samantha’s personality. I also coloured a ring of orange around the pupil to capture a fiery effect.
Monica Donohue
Saint
Margaret Mary’s CollegeWatching [detail] 2014
Oil pastel on cartridge
Watching is a portrait of a young girl. I chose a blue, dark green and grey colour palate to convey her emotions. She appears anxious as she watches something outside of the picture frame. I have emphasised her eyes by limiting the use of light blue to that area and to the top right-hand corner of the portrait.
Jorja FELDT Saint Margaret Mary’s CollegeBlending In [detail] 2014
Photographic series
In our society we sometimes fear standing out from the crowd to avoid the risk of being noticed and judged. Instead, we choose to suppress our individuality and blend into our communities like a chameleon. This survival characteristic in humans is interpreted in this photographic subject-study of a girl blending into differing environments.
Lucy geyser
Saint Margaret Mary’s CollegeUmbrellas [detail] 2014
Print and mixed media
I was inspired to explore umbrellas because I like the form, shape and function of umbrellas. I like the idea of how an umbrella can be a fashion statement, but have a practical function. I decided to explore umbrellas in a range of media including lino printing, collage, water colour and paper sculpting.
Geraldine hoffmann
Saint Margaret Mary’s College
Le besoin d’appartenance (The need to belong) [detail] 2014
Lino print on paper
Inspired by the concept of ‘existence and a search for identity’, this series tells the story of a journey one person makes searching for a place they are connected to. The central subject represents a person who feels as though he does not exist as a member of society. In the second print, the man is sitting on his own, in isolation, whilst life exists around him.
Renee James
Saint Margaret Mary’s College
A Fusion of Time [detail] 2014
Graphite and pencil on paper
A fusion of time represents the evolutionary transformation from atomic matter to reptile, chimpanzee, Homosapien and finally, android. The evolution of the human is a subject of great interest to me, as it explores the fluidity of existence and our capacity to change in order to survive; our extraordinary ability to adapt.
Emily liesegang
Saint Margaret Mary’s College
Down the Rabbit Hole [detail] 2014
Print and mixed media artist’s book
My artwork provides a different view on the classic Lewis Carroll story, Alice in Wonderland, by depicting the characters that are loved by many all over the world. I have always adored these adventures and the strange and beautiful characters that Alice meets. I wanted to bring some of the characters to life the way I see them.
Ashlei Major
Saint Margaret Mary’s College
Strangely
Hypnotising [detail] 2014
Oil pastel on cartridge
This portrait has been completed using oil pastels. The main focus that I wanted to highlight in the portrait is the mesmerising and piercing blue eyes, which were my inspiration. The young female subject has a strong and powerful gaze and I wanted to focus on the intensity of these eyes by using colour and contrast.
Courtney KELLY
Saint Patrick’s College
Married to culture [detail] 2014
Lino print on paper
Married to culture explores cultural diversity, women and marriage. The images show three women from different cultures – Chinese, Australian and African - wearing traditional marital attire. They appear young and flawless, and represent how they are viewed by their own societies.
Jessica LAWSON
Saint
Liberate me, set me free [detail] 2014
Graphite and pencil on paper
Liberate me, set me free conveys a typical woman who feels she is confined, judged and imprisoned by society due to her gender. The ‘Superman’ symbol represents that a woman can be strong and capable, whether she is a mother, daughter, wife or young woman. Perhaps the symbol should reflect ‘Super people’, not just ‘Superman’.
Patrick’s College
Maddison SHEEHAN Saint Patrick’s College
Untitled [detail] 2014
Digital print
Untitled explores the way in which adolescent girls are constantly exposed to sexist advertising. The famous ‘We Can Do It!’ poster has been manipulated using a graffiti style juxtaposed against coloured images of sexist advertising. The image represents out-dated attitudes, values and beliefs driven upon young girls which severely decrease self-confidence.
Ebony
WILSON
Saint Patrick’s CollegePerceive [detail] 2014
Digital images series
Perceive explores gender roles found in society and the difference between biological sex and gender. It explores the expectations and perceptions of women and investigates the reality behind the roles that women play. The images explore issues relating to gender identity: body image, sexual freedom, cross dressing, femininity and stereotypes.
Madeline PENDERGAST
Townsville Grammar School
Water [detail] 2014
Mixed Media
Water is one of our planets most valuable resources. Water is life. As a society, due to its perceived abundance, we take water for granted. Shortages in drinkable water are having a devastating impact on developing societies and droughts are becoming increasingly common events. To ensure sustainability we need to respect water and value its contribution to our lives.
Bronte SHEPHERD
Townsville Grammar School
Cinema [detail] 2014
Mixed media
For me there is nothing better than going to the cinema: purchasing your ticket, grabbing some popcorn, choosing a seat, the lights go down and the magic begins! Each letter of my architectural word illustrates a selection of my favourite movies including: Up, The Lion King, Frozen, Mickey Mouse and Tangled.
Alicia THYGESEN
Townsville Grammar School
Live on the Bright Side of Life [detail] 2014
Mixed media
My architectural word illustrates my perception of light. When darkness unravels we find comfort in flicking on a switch to look on the bright side of life; a lightning bolt out of the blue can be very harmful; light can warn us of danger and sunlight warms up our days.
Natasha CHAFFEY
Just Passing Through [detail] 2014
Fabric, photographs
This artwork represents my own physical journey. When people travel to places they create memories through photographs. These are my memories presented by wearable art. I love to travel and have been to many places. While the underskirt itself is plain, the layered photographs travel over the surface in a circular motion.
William Ross State High School
Rebecca CLUN
William Ross State High School
Micro World [detail] 2014
Acrylic, watercolour, graphite, collage on paper
I have focused on the little things in life as I feel they make up the big things. The journey that I chose to explore in my artwork was that of the Rhinoceros beetle. Normally the beetle is seen as big and bulky, but I have tried to illustrate how small and delicate it actually is.
Mikayla INGHAM
William Ross State High School
Desert Rose [detail] 2014
Wearable, mixed media
This artwork describes the journey of a seed; more specifically the featherlight seed of a Desert Rose. Although they originated in the desert, they can be found in many environments around the world. Everything down to the shape of the skirt, which resembles the trunk of a wild desert rose tree, is influenced by this beautiful plant.
Timothy JAUNDRELL
William Ross State High School
Modern Australia [detail] 2014
Acrylic and impasto on canvas
The journey represented in my work is a cultural journey, the journey of the future of Australia’s identity. I decided to identify one particular culture that has obvious symbols of their identity, the Arabic culture. I chose the phenotype of the Taliban soldier because people of society identify these traits as their stereotypes.
TYLER HILDER
Mayday Holiday [detail] 2014
Digital prints on paper
With all the recent human-made complications threatening Earth, everyone seems curiously calm. People have become ignorant of the weight of their responsibilities, opting to ignore and adapt to problems instead of rectifying them. Recent catastrophes, such as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, have gone nearly unnoticed. This work questions how far society will go to experience leisure and remain blissfully oblivious, even in the face of peril.
Pimlico State High SchoolEMILY ASCOUGH
Bowen State High School
Falling - Flying [detail] 2014
Acrylic on reclaimed window
Often we view ourselves with disapproval. One side of my artwork reflects how some people believe they are “falling”, never being able to achieve success and goals in life. Dreams, shown on the other side of the window, are the only places where they can see themselves in disbelieving situations, accomplishing amazing things.
ONI FOSTER
Bowen State High School
Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover [detail] 2014
Reclaimed books, photographs, found objects
The meaning of the artworks is to show my identity and the way I hide it by putting up masks or a fake smile and pretending to be somebody that I’m not. The photos on the covers represent the fake me which is my mask and the photos on the inside is who I really am and the places that I can be myself in. The main message is to show that there is another side of me so don’t judge a book by its cover.
NATHAN MAHER
Bowen State High School
You are a thousand things [detail] 2014
Mixed media
Many people, particularly young females, share wants, hopes and loves, and thus the person I created represents the identity of teenage society. The person we are today is controlled by those around us, so I created this artwork to express concern and true self.
LOC TRAN
Bowen State High School
Wo’Man [detail] 2014
Mannequin bust, newspaper, gesso, rubbing gold, copper sheet, feathers, cotton, silk
This artwork explores the differences genders exhibit, but also the similarities they have and that they can also be combined. A man and woman’s body may have many similarities that can be linked together to make one androgynous form that is both male and female. What is masculinity; what is femininity?
SANITA PATTERSON
Kirwan State High School
<3500 [detail] 2014
Acrylic paint, professional airbrush medium, perspex
<3500, crystallises the idea that sharks are not the issue in relation to shark attacks on beaches all over the world. The behaviour of humans towards their habitat is problematic as humans are rapidly destroying the species by enforcing such policies like the Western Australian shark cull. There are less than 3500 Great White Sharks left.
JESSICA NOLAN
Kirwan State High School
Left or Right? [detail] 2014
Watercolour and mixed media
Left or Right?, aims to provide insight into my journey from the start of year twelve, with a broken right arm. This artwork is intended to portray the thoughts, emotions and the internal struggle of self-doubt of ‘left and right brain’ applications. The end result is the juxtaposition of learning to be lefthanded and delightfully, discovering a new personal aesthetic.
NHUT CAO
Kirwan State High School
Self [detail] 2014
Ink, ballpoint pen and mixed media
Self is about me. Being in a conservative Asian family has prevented me in expressing who I am in fear of bringing a bad reputation to my family. I often have to repress and suppress anything that is not considered ‘normal’. This artwork is significant as it crystallizes my journey to discover a way to express who I am through art.
ALICIA KIRK
Burdekin Catholic High School
Ex Nihilo Nihil Fit [detail] 2014
Acrylic on canvas
I produced this piece by exploring ideas of time, place and space. The central idea is the conservation of energy: reflecting the scientific influence of my understanding of the world. The work represents the cycle of life, the balanced movement of energy and the desire to find the truth about energy, power and control.
ADELLE KENNETT
Pimlico State High School
Self-portrait [detail] 2014
Mixed media on canvas
This mixed media self-portrait painting aims to communicate who I am beyond my physical appearance. The wolf represents my love for and protection of family and friends, while the swan indicates my gentle and passionate nature. Placed central in the artwork is a paintbrush in my mouth, which symbolises my passion for art.
JOSH EVANS
Pimlico State High School
Sonder [detail] 2014
Electronic imaging
This digital artwork that I have simply called Sonder, focusses on the sociocultural context of people. It explores our inability as humans to grasp the idea that each random passer-by is an individual leading a full life; important and influential as each other. Within this realisation is the idea of humans blurring the line between individuals and growing and evolving as one.
EDWARD HOOPER
Pimlico State High School
Nature’s War [detail] 2014
Acrylic on canvas
Nature’s War, visually represents observations I have made from personal travel experiences throughout Australia, Holland and Italy. My paintings communicate a message that nature is reclaiming different sites of World War II; with a tree overgrowing a bunker in Charters Towers, the ocean enveloping part of the Atlantic Wall, and snow concealing a fortification in Cortina D’Ampezzo.
RHIANNA POWELL
Kirwan State High School
Hidden Memories [detail] 2014
Acrylic gouache and mixed media
Hidden Memories is about reflection and remembrance. It represents a period in my life where I was lost and hurt, but was able to find clarity, crystalize my thoughts and discover my own strength. The painting is similar to a photograph I had taken around the time of my grandfather’s death and holds an insight into a personal experience.
COURTNEY THOMPSON
Ryan Catholic College
Which skin are you wearing? [detail] 2014 Digital photography
My latest body of work consists of a series of photographs exploring consumerism - the thought that material items and concepts shape our values and attitudes. The colour image displayed in this work is the focal point of a series of five photographs encouraging us to reflect on who we really are.
EMILY FISHER
Ryan Catholic College
What a Strange Frame of Mind [detail] 2014 Drawing and paint media
Through exploring the concept of metamorphosis, my artwork shows the different aspects of a person’s mental and physical layering, and the changes people experience as they grow. The physical inner and outer layers are represented in my three drawings with the brain, the skeleton and then the flesh and body of a person.
EMMA BOURKE
Ryan Catholic College
Ebola
Coffin [detail] 2014
Wood and clay
My artwork aims at investigating the dreadful effects upon the human body of the Ebola virus. The virus attacks the body tissues and every organ. The virus is represented with one hundred coiled clay pieces. The body is suspended in a wooden frame to represent a traditional South African wooden coffin.
TRACEY KEWE
Pimlico State High School
Without help, there is no hope [detail]
2014
Mixed media on canvas with fluorescent lights
This mixed media artwork explores the worsening issue of homelessness within city environments. The northern region of Queensland in particular, has a higher proportion of homeless people than the state as a whole. My message is that these people, many of whom are women and children, need our help to find change in their circumstances.
TANEILLE WILSHIRE
The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James
Thriamvo [detail] 2014
Acrylic on canvas
This painting represents the cultural push to be the best, the most powerful. I have chosen to show this allegorically using the simple childhood game of dress up. This shows that competitiveness is indeed evident from an early age. The emphasis is on being better and stronger which is ever present in today’s society.
CLARE SIMPSON
The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James
Young Liberty [detail] 2014
Acrylic on paper
The focal point of this work is The Statue of Liberty - an internationally renowned symbol of freedom. In the modern world, youth are seen as filled with opportunity, potential and freedom. However, as this work depicts, young women in particular are faced with far more challenges than society reveals.
GRACE KAMMHOLZ
The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James
Man’s
inhumanity to man [detail] 2014
Oil on canvas
This painting was originally designed to represent the brutality of man. However, I chose to take an abstract approach to allow for one’s own interpretation; perhaps the fight for survival or the desperate struggle for success.
BRITTNEY BOGOTTO
The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James
Game
of Life [detail] 2014
Digital print on canvas
The human figure, regardless of size, acts as a powerful tool, dominating over the planet for its resources. However, nature, in all its power, is fighting back and forcing a battle for territory.
MADELINE MCDONELL
William Ross State High School
Cycle [detail] 2014
Acetate, acrylic and photographs
The focus of this body of work was to portray a journey. The journey my artwork follows is through the decline of nature because of human interference and destruction. This piece was inspired by Janet Laurence, adapting her use of printing images onto clear sheets of glass.
JENNIFER MARODI
William Ross State High School
Extinction [detail] 2014
Mixed media
Extinction is a journey through the decline of our natural environment. Mankind is slowly destroying our environment, with many species no longer existing. Future generations will only be able to view nature through the glass of a museum display. This is reflected in my use of materials in this sculpture.
MADELINE PENDERGAST
Townsville Grammar School
Multi-faceted [detail] 2014
Acrylic on canvas
This self-portrait depicts a disjointed but structured figure. Painted in natural true colours and tones it highlights that there are many facets to a person. Humans are disjointed in many ways as we have many sides to our physical, emotional and spiritual presence. From the outside our individual attributes can be viewed as seemingly unrelated, however when all brought together they form one person.
SHONA HEYTMAN
Townsville Grammar School
id. 2014
Photopolymer, etching, collagraph, paper, thread, found objects, wax
id. is a set of uncoordinated instinctual trends. My work reflects this part of my persona, past, present and future. My growth is represented through elements in nature, my locations are represented through prints and the stages of my life are represented through books.
PUBLISHER
Gallery Services, Townsville City Council
PO Box 1268
Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia
pinnacles@townsville.qld.gov.au
+61 7 4773 8871
© Gallery Services, Townsville City Council and the authors 2014
Exhibition organised by GALLERY SERVICES
Shane Fitzgerald Manager Gallery Services
Eric Nash Curator Gallery Services
Jo Stacey Team Leader Administration Gallery Services
Michael Pope Exhibitions and Collections Coordinator
Amber Church Education and Programs Coordinator
Rob Donaldson Digital Media and Design Coordinator
Sarah Welch Public Art Officer
Alex Shapley Exhibitions Officer
Holly Grech-Fitzgerald Collections Management Officer
Tegan Ollett Education and Programs Officer
Carly Sheil Digital Media and Exhibition Design Officer
Gillian Ribbins Administration Officer
Wendy Bainbridge Administration Officer
Danielle Berry Arts Officer
Michelle Littman Gallery Assistant
Patricia Dunn Gallery Assistant
Damian Cumner Gallery Assistant
Rurik Henry Gallery Assistant
Pinnacles Gallery
20 Village Blvd, Townsville QLD 4817 (07) 4773 8871
pinnacles@townsville.qld.gov.au www.bit.ly/pinntcc
@TCC_Pinnacles /PinnaclesTCC
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Closed Mondays
Published on the occasion of the exhibition
North Queensland regional exhibition 2014
Pinnacles Gallery
23 August - 14 September 2014
Registration Team
Michael Pope / Amber Church / Tegan Ollett
Publication Design and Development
Carly Sheil / Amber Church / Tegan Olett
Typeset in 9 - 12pt Helvetica LT (text)
HelveticaInserat LT 15pt (theadings)
Meta (cover)
Photography: All photography by school staff and students
Gallery Acknowledgements
Gallery Services would like to acknowledge the generous support and assistance of the Department of Education, Training and Employment, Art Shed Brisbane, School Art Supplies and Townsville City Council in realising this exhibition.
A special thankyou to Melinda Gould, Regional Coordinator for Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art. Thanks also to all participating schools, teachers and students:
• Bowen State High School (Bowen)
• Burdekin Catholic High School (Burdekin)
• Kirwan State High School (Townsville)
• Pimlico State High School (Townsville)
• Ryan Catholic College (Townsville)
• The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James (Townsville)
• Townsville Grammar School (Townsville)
• William Ross State High School (Townsville)
Introduction
The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art recognises and promotes excellence in senior visual art education throughout state and non-state schools in Queensland.
Since 1990, the program has helped raise community awareness of the degree of sophistication in concepts, diversity of technical competence, and the high standard of visual art education in Queensland secondary schools.
The artworks of 24 talented young artists in the following pages comprise the 2014 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art North Queensland regional exhibition.
Great state. Great opportunity.
Department of Education, Training and Employment
Pinnacles Gallery 23 August - 14 September 2014 North Queensland regional exhibition 2014
Catalogue North Queensland regional exhibition 2014