10 July 2023
Thought-provoking artworks from some talented recent Year 12 graduates are being showcased in The West Australian Pulse Exhibition.
The exhibition showcases works of art created by Year 12 visual arts students from 36 schools across WA, who graduated at the end of 2022.
The West Australian Pulse 2023. Installation view, The Art Gallery of Western Australia, 2023. Photo: Rift Photography.
The selected pieces provide insights into the lives of the young people during their final year at school, while also highlighting their exceptional artistic talents.
Emily Kim, a former Willetton Senior High School student, has a piece showing called ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’.
Emily’s painting was inspired by the lack of representation she saw during her studies. It powerfully represents her cultural identity and explores themes of representation.
”Throughout my studies in Visual Arts ATAR, I have noticed that, historically, renowned works of art rarely depict figures that are not of an Anglo-Saxon background,” she said.
“However, there is a rising encouragement for ethnic representation in the arts.
Emily Kim 진주귀걸이를 한 소녀 (Girl with a pearl earring) 2022, Willetton Senior High School. Oil painting on canvas. Photo: Rebecca Mansell.
”In this self-portrait, I celebrate and stand proud in my culture by depicting myself wearing hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, and looking into the viewer’s eyes.”
The exhibition features 61 carefully selected artworks including paintings, drawings, digital artwork, sculptured and 3D pieces. It dives into captivating themes such as mental health, social pressures, gender, culture, environmentalism, and technology.
The pieces are celebrated for their exceptional merit, creativity, and individuality, rather than those that attracted the highest marks.
The exhibition will run at the Art Gallery of Western Australia until 20 August 2023. For more information refer to the AGWA website.