Gisborne Girls’ High NCEA art boards on display

Senior art students Mariecel Von Staden, Amiria Rangiuia Lindup and Jasmin Situ are pictured with their work ahead of the Gisborne Girls’ High School art exhibition which opens tonight. Picture by Liam Clayton

A striking selection of artworks by senior art students at Gisborne Girls’ High School including painting and photography is part of a special exhibition opening at the school tonight.

Prints of the artworks have been hung on the walls of the upstairs exhibition space of the art department. A limited edition of prints are available for sale on the night.

The artworks are part of each student’s body of work which makes up their NCEA Level 2 and Level 3 “boards” this year. They were asked to submit up to three pieces to be part of the exhibition called O Mātau Reo - Our Voices.

“The students came up with their own themes, - selecting, reflecting, editing and refining to create a cohesive and fluent artistic expression or body of work. There is so much talent and creativity on display,” says visual arts teacher Justine Ward.

Prefect Jasmin Situ said she tried to capture the essence of nature with her paintings and was inspired by the work of her aunt,  artist Zoe Alford.

“I believe that each detail, regardless of its shape or size, contributes majorly to the overall feel and composition of the work,” she said.

Jasmin based her paintings on photographs taken at three different times of day — in the middle of the day, just before sunset and on sunset. She used a contrasting palette of colours on the landscapes.

Next year she is going to to study towards a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland but said she would keep painting as she enjoys it as a creative outlet.

South African born Mariecel Von Staden’s paintings are about the connection of love, explored through various perspectives of sunsets and beaches of Gisborne.

“I think it is important for people to go out to see the sunset with their loved ones because it is a beautiful way to make memories,” she says.

The year 13 prefect is going to study medical imaging at Ara Te Pukenga in Christchurch next year.

Year 12 student Amiria Ranguia Lindup has studied photography this year and chose three images based on nature.

“These three pieces are a representation of teenagers finding the answers within, to the questions of their inner minds. We start like seeds then become a flower. As we follow our pathways through life, parts of us change, and fade away, only to then bloom a new flower, for the next season of our journey.”

“This is the second year we have mounted an exhibition of student work in a dedicated gallery space where family, friends and members of the community can enjoy the exceptional talent of our rangatahi,” Justine says.

Anyone wishing to view the catalogue can go to  https://tinyurl.com/ycu9m6hu

■  O Mātau Reo - Our Voices, Gisborne Girls’ High School art department,  entrance off  Wellington Street, tonight,  5.30pm-6.30pm