Kia Ora Rangi Ruru hapori,

The Art Department was bustling with activity this week as ākonga across Years 11, 12, and 13 dove into their respective projects, showcasing their evolving talents and creativity.

Year 11
Year 11 students have ventured into printmaking, starting with the creation of monoprints. Their exploration has now progressed to the intricate process of drypoint, where they’re learning to scratch plates to produce intaglio prints. This technique, rich in texture and detail, is opening up new avenues for artistic expression among our ākonga.

Year 12
The Year 12 paint/print cohort has been experimenting with various mediums this week, having completed both an ink drawing and a charcoal drawing. Their latest endeavour involves painting with tertiary greys (mixing a primary colour with its complementary colour) to explore the intricacies of this unique palette. This challenge is not only enhancing their technical skills but also encouraging a deeper understanding of colour theory and its application.

Year 12 design students have been diligently researching their diverse projects, demonstrating significant effort and commitment. In the spotlight this week is the remarkably talented Ava-Bella. Ava-Bella is undertaking the task of generating and designing a video game set in New Zealand in the 1980's, in a post apocalyptic environment. The premise of the game is about lost siblings searching for each other and overcoming the challenges faced with traversing the country, whilst fighting against the rogue, deformed monsters that have evolved from domestic pets. These workbook pages present the generation of ideas in relation to the games setting and characters.

Year 13
Year 13 students are deep into independent research and art making, pursuing projects that reflect their personal interests and artistic goals. A key component of their development throughout the year is the weekly critique sessions, where they engage in thoughtful discussions with teachers and peers. These sessions are crucial for self-reflection, recognising personal strengths, areas for improvement, and guiding their next steps in learning.

A highlight, from Year 13 this week, was Emily Brickwood's incredible achievement following her first prize win in the senior art category at Speaking 4 the Planet. Speaking 4 the Planet (S4P) is a multifaceted competition encompassing public speaking, spoken word, performance, and visual arts. Tailored to empower ākonga, it stands as a vibrant platform for articulating visionary concepts, aimed at nurturing a brighter future. Emily's mural is being brought to life at the Climate Action Campus this week (her concept pictured below), this is an amazing accomplishment, congratulations Emily!

Art History
Our art history students have delved into the masterworks of Leonardo Da Vinci, including iconic pieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Virgin of the Rocks. Analysing Da Vinci's painting style, ākonga have explored techniques such as sfumato, chiaroscuro, and atmospheric perspective, noting how these elements contribute to the allure of his artworks. Beyond technique, discussions have also centred on themes of light and colour, figure and form, composition, depth and space within each piece. The meticulous precision evident in Da Vinci's works, influenced by his scientific pursuits and deep understanding of human anatomy, has added a captivating layer to the study of his masterpieces.

After School Art Club
The after school art club is experimenting with a new medium this week - rolled slab printmaking. This technique presented an exciting challenge for our members, many of whom were unfamiliar with its challenges. With enthusiasm and curiosity, each student embraced the opportunity to explore this medium, selecting a diverse range of subjects. The culmination of their efforts resulted in a diverse array of artworks, each reflecting the unique creativity and determination of our club members.

As the term progresses, students across all year levels continue to impress with their dedication, creativity, and growth. Their diverse projects and achievements are a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of our art department.

Ka kite