The Celebration of Creativity Festival week comes to an end tomorrow with the closing of the art students’ exhibition. It has been an inspiring week. The start of the celebrations was the exhibition opening on the evening of 21st August, followed by a day at the Zeitz MOCAA and the Iziko National Gallery.
Highlights of the exhibition opening included special awards for the best-dressed attendees, fabulous face painting, a groovy photo booth, fire pits, sketchy portraits, a tree of creativity – the creativtree, a ghost as a blank canvas, affirmations, a special guest appearance from the Guerrilla Girls and great snacks. The Grade 8 Marimba band opened the evening with a monumental performance following their Guinness World Record win, and for the remainder of the evening, the marvellous DJ Suri kept the crowd entertained.
The following day, the Grade 10, 11 and 12 photography, visual arts, and design students made their way to the historic Iziko National Art Gallery, as well as the jewel of Africa’s modern art, Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront. We were very proud to see the work of Eve O’Connor and Sofie de Villiers on exhibition. They had been selected to participated in a matric workshop earlier this year.
Below are some learners’ reflections of the outing:
‘I’m sure I can speak on behalf of everyone that attended when I say that the art was absolutely beautiful, and it was such a privilege to be able to be in that space, and see these paintings in real life. From a more personal point of view, I found the experience to be quite inspiring and moving. I really enjoyed being able to gather my thoughts and emotions throughout the entire day. The tour guides at the Zeitz were extremely welcoming, and gave all of us a worthwhile, meaningful experience! Thanks goes to the art department for organising and planning the event, and allowing us to explore and visually interact with different artworks! :)’ Alessia Iqani
‘Walking into the Iziko, I was immediately taken aback by the age-old artworks and the history that lay between the walls. I was particularly moved (literally to tears) by the Motherhood exhibition. Many of the artworks perfectly encapsulated the love, dedication and sacrifice that comes with being a mother and I guess it really made me think of my own mom and how much I want to be like her when I have children of my own. It was truly powerful and absolutely beautiful.’ Heidi Nolte
‘I have never been to the Iziko National Gallery before, and going into it for the first time was an emotionally unravelling moment. The entrance felt as if you are walking through Greek Architecture in 400BC. Once you opened the front doors into the Salon was even more breath-taking. The artworks were a direct portrayal of all the different periods of art in history. It was eye-opening to see all the evocative and skilful art. It truly inspired me.
It was such a memorable experience and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to go as an art student’. Tehzeeb Kagee
‘The Iziko Motherhood exhibition reminded me of how my mother is the reason why I am the person I am today and how her sacrifices inspire me on a daily basis.’ Caila McKend
‘The beauty of the exhibition is to see ones work up for all to see, being celebrated and cherished, not work just for marks but the celebration of seeing oneself as an artist, art as celebration of individuality, a journey, exploration of community, and art as a celebration of the self’. Anonymous
