Inside King's-Edgehill School
I hope you enjoy our virtual exhibitions. We admire not only our students' skills and creativity but also their courage in sharing their work with us. Please join me in congratulating our 2020 IB Visual Arts students on their hard work and achievements.
I would like to introduce IB Artist: Madison Taljaard:
My exhibition is rooted through my love of the outdoors, as a means of escaping the chaos in today’s modern society. My intentions for this display of work was to illustrate the difficulties in which people, particularly females, may feel through conformities. Longing for peace and a ‘Happy Place’. This can be expressed through my works ‘See No Evil, Do No Evil’, ‘Trapped', 'Escape', 'Dancing for Joy', 'Happy Place', as well as 'Ride Away'. Through this collection of pieces, the thought was to evoke emotion within the viewer, whether it be through thought or personal understanding and connection, or simply by observing the work and grasping the intent within to express a message. Although this could be taken as a rather dark thread, it is meant to bring out the light, as shown through the more joyful and content works, the light at the end of the tunnel.
Within art, method and technique are vital to properly convey and express a message. The roughness of a pallet knife was used throughout my work to express the harshness and chaos of the uncontrollable society. This was done in contrast to the use of a smooth brushed finish on certain elements to highlight the peace within. Additionally, the use of colour, whether bold or monochromatic, created accent and value to key components. Throughout this exhibition, there are numerous overlying themes present. The desire to escape or to simply be you, wild and free.
Sadly, due to the Coronavirus of 2020, we were unable to have an exhibition this year. This meant that not only could we not display our hard work to others, but for ourselves as well. With that being said, if we were able to have our Grade 12 IB Art Show, I would present my artwork in the form of a story. Starting with 'Trapped' and moving to the most joyful painting 'Dancing for Joy'. The aim of this being to convey growth and change throughout my thread of pieces to the audience.
Figure 1 and 2: See No Evil, Do No Evil. (February 2020)
Pallet Knife and Brush Oils on Stretched Canvas (45 cm, 30 cm, 1 cm)
This collection of two correlated paintings demonstrates two young females who have had their identities swiped and hidden away from society. The contrast of the monochromatic background in contrast to the bright colours across her face represents chaos. Scared of judgement their faces remain hidden. She could be any of us, even you.
Figure 3: Trapped (March 2020)
Brushed Oils on Canvas (60 cm, 45 cm, 4 cm)
This unfinished oil painting deals with the harsh concept of being trapped within today's social conformities. A young girl stuck within the figure of a big, strong male with no escape. This can also be envisioned as a strong brave male, who feels as though he is all but a little girl on the inside. She remains faceless, as she could be anyone.
Figure 4 and 5: Escape (October 2019)
Red Clay Sculpture, Acrylic paint, White Rope, A Transferred Image (22 cm, 12 cm, 12 cm)
This clay sculpture represents an attempt to escape confinements. As the hands pry at the small opening, the viewer can also observe the bright colours within. These acrylic paint blotches represent a sense of chaos that the hands must escape. However, with the rope holding it together, there is no freedom to be had. A transfer on the front of the box connects this sculpture to ‘Trapped’, a painting completed following this one.
Figure 6: Dancing for Joy (September 2018)
Pallet Knife and Brushed Oils on Stretched Canvas (60 cm, 90 cm, 2 cm)
Dancing, free and wild. This young girl is away from all distractions and simply being herself. As she plays in the ocean waves, she is content, not being held back by anything. Sun-kissed skin and salty hair, this is happiness. Her face remains hidden away, as she seeks to remain a secret to society and be herself.
Figure 7: Happy Place (March 2020)
Pallet Knife and Brush Oils on Stretched Canvas (60 cm, 90 cm, 2 cm)
Growing up along the ocean has always been my happiest place. Through the waves and the cool breeze, I feel grounded and peaceful. This work represents not only the view I had along our childhood road but of the lupins, which are my grandmothers favourite flower. Along with this connection, beyond where the eyes can see, I envision South Africa, my father's heritage. These elements bring forth comfort.
Learn about our Fine Arts curriculum from Grade 6 to IB Art as well as countless extra curricular opportunities to express your artistic passions.
