31 VCE and VCAL students of 2021 from around the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges have been given the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in 2022’s Creative Showcase at The Memo in Healesville.
The exhibition will take place from Friday 4 February through to Sunday 27 February, hosted by the Yarra Ranges council in collaboration with Burrinja Cultural Centre, aiming to showcase the works of art and studio art students, containing pieces of varying subject matter and conveyed through many different mediums, such as photography, painting, sculpture, mixed-media, and drawing.
For students such as these young artists, it was understandably very difficult undergoing VCE during the pandemic and hard to keep spirits high and remain confident in their abilities, as Elijah Fernandez of Emerald Secondary College said when asked how they found completing VCE during a pandemic.
“Difficult. Whilst I found I thrived in the beginning of remote learning, as it continued, my motivation levels quickly declined, making it hard to progress. However, it was an insightful experience as it demonstrated to me the importance of cherishing human connection, especially in regards to seeking help.” Fernandez said.
The difficulties and unrest of 2021 provided a theme for young artists such as Poppy Adams of Mater Christi College in Belgrave, who seeked to express their thoughts through their art.
“My artworks expose the relationship between the sources of public opinion and the climate crisis. Gina Rinehart and Rupert Murdoch have a long history of saturating politics with insidious, unscientific climate denial. Having seen the climate change rapidly over my short life, I feel compelled to pursue this topic.” Adams said.
Other students took inspiration from the Yarra Valley itself, such as Mia Fieldler of Monbulk College, explored their admiration for Australian flora and landscapes.
“Growing up in the hills surrounded by bushland, nature has always been a big inspiration for me, and I wished to develop this passion of mine through my art in year 12.” Fiedler said.
For more information check out https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/The-Arts/Our-creative-community/Creative-Showcase
What: Creative Showcase 2022 exhibition
Where: The Memo, 235 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville
When: Exhibition Friday 4th February to Sunday 27th February, 2022
