KNYSNA NEWS - The annual exhibition of art created by Oakhill College's matric learners is currently taking place with 10 learners' art on display at the Knysna Mall until 20 November.
The 2021 Oakhill Visual Arts exhibition is a celebration of the work of Kathryn Brown, Julia Brymer, Alodie Gould-Wagenaar, Ockert Kok, Lihanné le Grange, Jodie Matter, Aurora Price, Morgan Sharp, Gabriella van Schoor and Jaden Wigg.
The exhibition showcases the year's work and examination work, created in response to two themes.
The theme for the year was "Journey" and the theme for the IEB examination work "Living stillness". Living is an active state and suggests movement, plans, potential and energy, while stillness suggests that this forward motion has been paused, which can be intentional or through an obstruction. Stillness can refer to the lack of life or a passive state.
Pen and ink self-portraits by Ockert Kok.
These themes provide a structure within which the students have to work, but also allow for much interpretative freedom. Through the creative process in the journals and research, each student has internalised and conceptualised the theme to create a variety of responses in their own individual style and the medium of their choice.
Their responses range between traditional approaches, deeply personal works and mature, conceptual interpretations. Many of the students bravely embraced abstracted and expressive styles and the variety of the works is commendable.
In the words of art historian, Professor Ramachandran, "If all art does is imitate life, why do we need art?" Art has the ability to move us, to provoke us, to make us smile or frown. It challenges us to contemplate things in a new light and see the world through a different lens. It comforts us or disturbs us and asks questions or even offers answers to questions we didn't realise we were seeking answers to.
Highly competent and technical watercolour portraits by Ockert Kok.
The art students have reason to feel very proud of their accomplishments as they have truly created art.
The exhibition is on the first floor of the Knysna Mall. It is open to the public daily from 13 to 20 November between 09:00 and 16:00. Take the stairwell adjacent to the Wimpy and Mr Price Sport, or the lift opposite TotalSports.
Art student Alodie Gould-Wagenaar's installation, which explores gender issues.
Art student Jayden Wigg's exhibition ranges from a traditional response to contemporary interpretation.
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