Project — inquiry phase 2
IA2 explores the concept of
‘Art as knowledge’.
This project provides opportunities for students, as an artist, to extend their knowledge as they develop their art practice and use their artwork to communicate this knowledge to an audience.
Their challenge is to consider the way art can communicate their individual interpretation of an idea/ concept/ philosophy/ or culture in reaction to the thoughts and concepts of others.
Students created and resolved art work/s that communicated the concept ‘Art as knowledge’, through the personalised focus and context/s they defined in IA1.
Angus Robinson
‘Sanctimonious Hypocrisy’
Installation
Mixed media: (Wood, Plaster Paris, Paverpol, PVA glue, ply wood, Bed linen, School uniforms, photographs).
2.6 m x 4.0 m x 2.0 m
The independent male education system in Australia takes pride in its inclusivity and diversity, fronting a façade of acceptance and progression regardless of race, sexuality and gender. However, this could not be further from the truth. ‘sanctimonious hypocrisy’ condemns the regime centered around toxic masculinity and a cover up culture, empowering oppressors and discriminating against the oppressed. Whilst we live in a time that appears to be ‘open-minded’, we are, in fact, no further evolved collectively than when Jesus was crucified for being ‘other’. The monochrome colour palate of the central composition denotes whitewashing and is juxtaposed against the vile obscenities imposed because of ‘otherness’. The substitution of gripped hands for the crown of thorns symbolises the cyclical nature of institutional abuse.
The static projected images beside the central composition elude to the violent and toxic culture in which these environments have formed.
Jay Campbell
‘user_3638398448’
Media – water colour on water colour paper – pen - pencil
210mm x 297mm
Jay Campbell
‘user_6961621771’
Media – water colour on water colour paper – pen – pencil
210mm x 297mm
Jay Campbell
‘user_9194954004’
Media – water colour on water colour paper – pen – pencil
210mm x 297mm
This body of work encapsulates ideas of social media ‘manipulating and informing’ the views of adolescents. This shows a skewed social normalising for young males of very high expectations of how females should present themselves. In my display the reason the audience are invited to walk around the artwork is to represent the constant phone scrolling, an algorithm feeding sameness, not allowing a differing perspective. As young people can access pornography so easily the value of the human body, in its natural form, has been lost and due to the amount of exposure on social media, devalued.
This high degree of exposure is manipulating young teens into unreal and unrealisable expectations.
Charlie Coffey
'Dopamine Hit'
Media – tea leaves, raw papers, paper cutouts
720mm x 380mm
Charlie Coffey
'Serotonin Low'
Media – cardboard mask, acrylic paint, paper and pen
540mm x 480mm
I am deeply concerned about the negative impact of social media addiction on and in our society. My artworks 'Dopamine Hit' and 'Serotonin Low', seek to highlight the dangers of excessive social media use and encourage viewers to reflect on their own relationship with these platforms. Through my artwork, I depict the endless scrolling and illusion of perfection that can lead to distorted realities, anxiety, and validation-seeking behavior. The artworks also address the societal issues arising from social media addiction, such as the reinforcement of divisions. My goal is to prompt critical examination of these issues and inspire individuals to develop a healthier relationship with social media. I believe that by acknowledging the addictive nature of these platforms and taking steps to soften their impact on our lives, we can encourage a more fulfilling and balanced relationship with technology. I hope to raise awareness and encourage individuals to prioritize offline experiences and seek a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
Anthony Baker
‘Space Race’
Cardboard, clear coat, putty, glue, acrylic paint, styrofoam
1100mm x 200mm
Anthony Baker
‘Keeping outer space safe’
Ink pen, A4 paper, pencil, marker
220mm x 308mm
Anthony Baker
‘The Wrong Investment’
Ink pen, A4 paper, pencil, marker
220mm x 308mm
Having witnessed the recent political warfare of the present day I realise the war will only grow into the next battlefield, space. Understanding this led me to create sculptures and imagery expressing a view on the political decisions being made by various countries. By combining the elements of contemporary and traditional art techniques. My work seeks to create unique and evocative pieces which challenge the viewer's perceptions of morals and provoke inner thought. The most influential concepts and style that I want to explore is Banksy’s striking black-and-white technique. Combined with familiar simplified styles, I wanted to introduce the audience to the use of propaganda posters utilized in the past. Exaggerative yet influential.
My aim is to remind the world of the possibility and horrors of future war.
Jack Raff
“Mask Off”
Mixed Media: (photoshop, photography, plastic masks, acrylic paint, liquid paper, sticky paper)
1350mm x 590mm
Isolated within an all-male environment, that condemns individuals who ask for help, you could find yourself in a depressed and distraught state. Due to this culture, built around toxic masculinity, it is important to seek the professional help that is so desperately needed. My body of work 'Mask Off' explores the notion of this façade and in particular highlights the unspoken social issue regarding men's mental health or, rather, lack of. The artwork details the shared experience of individuals, subject to this hostile environment, and exploits their vulnerabilities which they are forced to cover up. Acting as a symbol for the façade, the masks, represent the ways in which individuals accustomed to toxic masculinity cope in order to hide their real and raw emotions. By doing so, they are adhering and conforming to societies expectations of men.
Alex Hui
Eroded society
Digital print on canvas
1000mm x 300mm
Alex Hui
Eroded society
Sculptural form/Acrylic paint on magic clay
160mm x 60mm x 80mm
Cultural disconnect, a sense of displacement.
As an artist, my inspiration is drawn from the diverse culture of China. Throughout my artwork, ‘Eroded society’ it is seen that it incorporates the intricate patterns and vibrant colours of Chinese pottery to symbolise the disconnection for Asian culture in the western world. Both artworks express this message of the multifaceted nature of Asian culture. My body of work centers around the erosion of heritage and culture in a mediated monocultural society.
I aim to bring attention to this critical issue and encourage the audience to reflect on their own cultural identities. By showcasing the beauty and complexity of Asian culture in my artwork, I hope to provoke thought and inspire action in my audience.
Daniel Maurice
The Chaos Within
Lead pencil on 200gsm cartridge
420 x 594mm ( x2 panels )
"The Chaos Within” is my personal reflection of ADHD, showcasing stark contrasts between my experiences on and off medication. The first piece represents my struggle to maintain focus, contain emotions, and control thoughts. The chaotic writing and bold title symbolize the spiraling nature of thoughts, emphasizing the difficulty in controlling them. On the other hand, the second piece represents the focus gained by taking medication. The darker background symbolizes greater control over distracting thoughts. Interestingly, the first piece was created without medication, while the second piece was created on medication, as an experiment.
My art aims to raise awareness and educate others about neurodivergent experiences, helping people better understand ADHD's challenges and strengths.
Vincent Wilkie
Effect of reflection
Look Closer
400 x 400 mm
Acrylic and decal on mirror
Vincent Wilkie
Effect of reflection
The word is ‘art’
450 x 620 mm
Acrylic on mirror
What is art? To each person the word ‘art’ brings a completely different physical image. At what point do we classify something to be or not to be artistically ‘correct’. The ability for an artist to put something into a gallery that does not please all is substantially greater than an ability to please everyone. The concept of art is so broad that it is completely dependent on the perspective of the audience.
Whilst viewing my work you may not enjoy it; however, someone else will. The inclusion of a symbolic devil and angel encourages the audience to delve deeper into the mirrored work and question their response.
A definition of ‘art’ is found within the centre of the piece. The use of mirrors and text corroborates the question – ‘How does the concept of ‘art’ give something meaning and purpose?
Daniel Statham
Silent Struggles
Installation – tree, digital printed images, pot, soil and bark, blue – billie-jean
1890 x 1240mm ( incorporating mirror 900mm x 1200mm and x3 digital images 430mm x 330mm )
As humans engage with diverse cultures and environments that can be similar or dissimilar to our family upbringing, beliefs, and values. When we grow, life perceptions evolve, redefining our sense of self and the purpose of our surroundings. The socio-environmental connection we face daily can profoundly impact our well-being. Individuals in rural areas can face extended periods of isolation and loneliness has been identified as a focus of harm to physical and mental well-being. In referencing The Blue Tree Project, I explore the conversation surrounding mental well-being. The photographic artwork attached to the blue tree raises awareness to spark conversation about feeling ‘blue’. The slouched body language within the digital images serves as a symbolic communication tool, expressing the emotions a person can be trapped in; the mirror reflects the person's surroundings and the written words are a cry for someone to listen.
Peter Bousgas
Estrayed
Alcohol Pen Paper
297mm x 420mm
Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, connect, and share information. While it has brought many benefits, it has also impacted our relationship with religion. The rise of social media has driven many people away from religion, especially among the younger generation. There are many factors that have contributed to this phenomenon. Technology and social media has not only strayed people away from religion and god but has also distracted and taken away the youth from their families as suicide rates have increased significantly with the implementation of social media platforms taking away children from their mothers and fathers which is the worst emotional experience a mother or father can feel (losing their child) My artwork explores the emotional loss of a mother being (Mary) losing her son (Jesus Christ) to technology and or social media and the well serving the purpose of a threshold to hell.
Zen Pizzinat
Artificial Mirage
‘iFroze’
Oil on Canvas
760 x 915 mm
Zen Pizzinat
Artificial Mirage
‘Screened Sensibility’
Photography
120 x 160mm
Today people of all ages are witnessing the radical enhancement of technology, experiencing the reaping consequence of a mislead reality by the algorithms before them. As the world becomes richer with more who prefer to consume rather than create, the living environmental imagination is impaired. The senses are consumed through the mediated digital world. Blue light represents and acts as an immediate barrier where the user is trapped from escaping its glare, furthermore, transforming one’s reality; hindering the health of their mind and ultimately imagination. Beyond the lighting in both artworks, it is evident that the figures are surrounded by darkness – a metaphor to exaggerate how the diluted real world is ‘boring’ and ‘bland’ in comparison to flashing lights and unlimited stimulation at one’s fingertips. The removal of facial features in both artworks acts as a literal representation of how our main senses, which allows one to create and output through thought and word, aren't utilized when immersed in media and ultimately, turning one into a vessel for aimless consumption with unlimited appetite.
Conna Watson
Make America safe again
Digital Print
300 x 330mm
Conna Watson
Make America safe again
Acrylic on canvas
700 x 850mm
The most valuable gift in today’s cruel world is the blessing you gain with a level of power. Power over those who automatically become less of a human than you, less worthy and less meaningful. This alter-ego is why, “With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility.” Unfortunately, throughout history and in our current society, there have been instances where government officials have abused their power for their own benefit, leading to the death of innocent people in the process. “Make America Safe Again” explores this extremely real yet under discussed world-wide issue creating a confronting experience for the viewer as they eyes are opened to the truth. My artworks provide the audience with the ability to unfold the truth with their own eyes as the disassemble the work, symbol by symbol. Furthermore, the true intentions are displayed as the evilness of our world and the influence a man like Donald Trump has obtained through his power is forced upon the audience. The use of articles within the work display how his name and brand and has left him acquitted of murder. Why is his case different?
PLAY - Final Warning
Mason King
Final warning
Media – mp4 projected onto canvas
The last tape
As an artist, I believe that art has the power to raise awareness about critical issues like global warming. Through my work, I strive to inspire people to take action and make positive changes to protect our planet. Art has the unique ability to evoke emotion and spark conversation, making it a powerful tool for spreading awareness about important global issues such as climate change. Through visual art, music, film, and other creative mediums, artists can communicate the urgency of the climate crisis, the impact it is having on our planet and communities, and the need for immediate action. In my opinion, one of the most effective ways to use art to address global warming is by creating works that reflect the impact of climate change on our natural environment. By visualizing these changes, my hope is that people will be motivated to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally conscious.
