Scotch College

Exploring the Sydney art scene

On August 20 and 21 , Mr Taylor, Head of Art, flew with his Year 12 Art students to Sydney to visit a series of art galleries.

The aim of the trip was to sharpen up their fine art knowledge prior to the final examinations, and to experience original works first hand. Staying at the 'Y on the Park', allowed the group easy access to the central business district.

The first location visited was the National Gallery of New South Wales, to see a temporary show 'Perspecta'. This was a cross cultural exhibition examining the cultural changes experienced by immigrants to Australia, as well as the contemporary work of indigenous people, at the end of this Century. The boys were also very impressed with the permanent art collection, which included a 60s collection of 'Hard Edge' painting and 'Op Art'. They spent the next two days visiting a range of galleries, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Planning Exhibition, Ken Done Gallery, Barry Stern Gallery, Byron Mapp Gallery, Australian Galleries, Australian Centre for Photography; the favourite being the Brett Whiteley Studio in Paddington.

They were very motivated by the tour, and subsequently have found studying and writing essays about these artists much more interesting. After taking part in the trip, the students have learnt to appreciate the artists as people, and identify with their creative expression, as part of a real life experience.