Max Rohr Isolation paradise 2022. Photographic Print and acrylic paint, 64.5 x 101.5 x 3 cm. Christ Church Grammar. Photo: Rebecca Mansell.
Sawdah Rennie The stranger 2022. Oil on board, 60 x 166 x 2 cm. Como Secondary College. Photo: Rebecca Mansell.
Sabinne Dawson Time experiences 2022. Ink, colour pencils, watercolour on paper, 76 x 76 cm. The Perth Waldorf School. Photo: Rebecca Mansell.
WA's talented young artists are celebrated in this yearly showcase, gauging the pulse of young people who will influence, empower and shape the world we live in.
The selected works provide a window into young people’s private, social and artistic concerns. It is an inspiring, rewarding and insightful look at the world through the minds of our most talented young artists.
This year’s exhibition celebrates 31 years and features 61 works by 2022 Year 12 Visual Arts graduates from 36 schools across WA.
The works were selected by a judging panel including Pip Lewi, Western Australian Artist; Cassie Bussell, Principal Education Officer | Department of Education; Zali Morgan, AGWA Assistant Curator of Indigenous Art; and Bahar Sayed, AGWA Curatorial Assistant.
This year The West Australian Pulse artists explore themes of mental health and social pressures, gender and culture, environmentalism and technology.
In 2023 we've invited WA's talented young creatives to unleash their creativity at the State Art Gallery, amplifying the Pulse program to provide a platform to showcase the State's young talent across all creative forms. Follow us @artgallerywa for programming announcements.
Meet the Artist is a new series produced in collaboration with The West Australian, of interviews with some of the Pulse artists exploring their practice, process and influences.
Get to know some of the talented young artists behind this year’s The West Australian Pulse, including the addition of video interviews highlighting personal journeys, concepts and material practices.
The winner of The West Australian Pulse 2023 People's Choice Award, valued at $2,500, is Sky Biesse for her work Don't Worry Be Happy 2022. The school Sky attended, St Mark's Anglican Community School, receives an AGWA workshop and tour package. And one lucky voter wins a $100 AGWA Design Store voucher. Sky Biesse was also the recipient of this year's Editor's Choice Award. See her winning artwork and statement below.
An Award selected by Anthony De Ceglie, Editor in Chief, West Australian Newspapers. Valued at $2,500. The winner is Sky Biesse from St Mark's Anglican Community School for her work titled Don't Worry Be Happy 2022.
Artist Statement
My artwork captures the inner turmoil of mental illness, through reflection on my own personal experiences. The intention behind this concept was to create a visual representation of mental illness for those who do not understand the toll it takes on the human mind. I wanted to contribute to the conversation on mental health inviting viewers to connect with the experience regardless of whether they have mental illness or not. The figurative subject matter was inspired by artwork from the Renaissance period and the artistic practice of Phil Hale, who captures emotion through dynamic compositions.
AGWA Pulse is also a year-round program of art experiences, opportunities and events for 15-21-year-olds, organised with their input. The headline event for AGWA Pulse is the annual Pulse Perspectives exhibition. Follow @agwapulse for updates.
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GALLERY OPEN
Wed to Mon 10am-5pm
Closed Tuesdays, Good Friday and Christmas Day
Entry is free, donations welcomed. Special exhibitions may incur a ticket fee.