In Term 1, the Year 8 Visual Arts students completed a unit on Portraiture where they participated in the Santa Sophia Archie Competition.
The students were given the task to create a portrait of an influential person to show recognition for their influence and to express their identity. Many of the students chose their family members, sport icons and various celebrities.
This project was a reflection of the Archibald Prize held by the Art Gallery of NSW every year.
The Archibald Prize is an open competition for all Australians, awarded to the best portrait, 'preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics'. Year 8 had the privilege of seeing the exhibition this year, and for a lot of students this was their first time to the Art Gallery!
The students enjoyed seeing an array of amateur and established artists showcasing their best work. The portraits brought up some great discussions about what constitutes an artwork to be considered fine art, and how artists show the inside of a person on the outside. It was a privilege to be able to show the students where their work might be displayed one day! During the day the students also visited the Royal Botanic Gardens.