21 August 2024
Time is running out to view the 2024 Young Originals exhibition, which showcases the incredible talent of emerging artists in Western Australia's public schools.
Now in its 15th year, this annual event highlights the diverse creativity fostered through visual arts programs across the state.
Students across WA schools have showcased their artistic talents at the 2024 Young Originals exhibition.
This year’s exhibition, hosted at the Spectrum Project Space, features 82 pieces from city and country students. Those featured are the finalists from 218 submissions.
Melissa Gillett, President of WASSEA, commended the efforts of both students and educators in making this year's exhibition a resounding success.
“I thank all students and teachers who submitted work this year and congratulate those whose work was selected for exhibition,” she said.
“2024 has yielded works on insight, power, skill, humour and keen observation—which is, of course, the essence of Young Originals.”
The young Originals exhibition is organised by the Western Australian Secondary School Executives' Association (WASSEA) in collaboration with the Department of Education, Edith Cowan University, and the Sangora Education Foundation.
It serves as a platform for students to share the stories behind their creations.
Joey Salcedo, a student from the School of Isolated and Distance Education, reflected on the deeper meaning behind his artwork.
”Since starting this journey, I have realised that as time passes, nothing can be certain,” Joey said.
“I applied features with vague meanings, like the stream that appears to flow endlessly, trees that suggest solitude, and the person above the cliff who is on top of everything, or are they?"
Similarly, Ella (Nyx) Birkhead shared the personal journey depicted in her work.
“I often feel lost, not sure which path is best to take,” she said.
“Each portrait is a slight variation on myself, future paths I can take and future people I could be."
The 2024 Young Originals exhibition is a celebration of the creativity and artistic potential of Western Australia's youth. By providing students with a platform to express themselves and explore their artistic capabilities, the exhibition continues to inspire and cultivate the next generation of artists and designers.
Exhibition dates:
Spectrum Project Space
Edith Cowan University
Building 3, 2 Bradford St
Mt Lawley
9 - 27 August
Tuesday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm.
View all of the finalists at the Young Originals website here.