Pulse Perspectives 2018
WA’s talented young artists are again celebrated as Year 12 Perspectives becomes Pulse Perspectives to better reflect what this exhibition is about: gauging the pulse of young people who will influence, empower and shape the world we live in.
This year’s exhibition features 46 works by graduating Year 12, 2018 Visual Arts students from across Western Australia. The selected works span a variety of subject matter and media, ranging from painting and drawing to sculpture, digital moving image, photography and textiles.
Prominent themes in this year’s display include exploring topics such as international, national and personal political issues; our impact on and neglect of the environment; connections to family; gender politics; cultural hybridity, as well as a deep and astute insight into our being in the world.
The selected works provide a window into young people’s private, social and artistic concerns. It is in turns an inspiring, rewarding and insightful look at the world through the minds of our most talented young artists.
This year’s judging panel comprised of: Cassie Bussell, Teacher Development, Teaching and Learning Services Statewide Services Centre, Department of Education; Elizabeth Pedler, artist; and Dunja Rmandić, Associate Curator of 21st Century Arts, AGWA.
AGWA Pulse
AGWA Pulse is a year-round program of art experiences and events for 15-21 year olds. A program of Pulse events are in planning. Follow @agwapulse for updates.
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Act-Belong-Commit People's Choice Award
The winner of the Act-Belong-Commit People’s Choice Award is Aliss Rigby for her work Wedlock 2018. Aliss’ work received the most audience votes, and she will receive an AGWA membership and $100 Gallery Shop voucher. The school she attended, Perth Modern School, will receive a workshop and tour of the next Culture Juice exhibition Billions of people are wearing T-shirts right now.
Artist Statement: Lace, a symbol of marriage, originates from the word ‘noose’ or ‘to ensnare’. This seemed ironic to me, as in marriages historically and in many cultures the woman relied on her husband to support her. It is odd, living in current time of female empowerment that we are still encouraged to seek out a man. I wanted to explore and represent the contemporary woman, like myself, who do not strive for marriage. Wrapped in lace, retaining femininity and strength, she confronts the audience with her expression taking control of her life and future.
Pulse Perspectives Packers' Prize
Ruby Cownie, Presbyterian Ladies College for Between the Lines 2018
The Installation team were struck by the matureness, depth and balance of Ruby’s mixed media work Between the Lines, as it addresses the plight and deep seated trauma, the vast majority of asylum seekers and legitimate refugees grapple with daily. We believe Ruby’s work tackles these complex and timely issues, in a visually restrained and graceful way. The artwork wouldn’t look out of place on a fashion runway, yet reveals itself as a fully realised political, social and existentially powerful work of art. In that sense, it is a strong nod in the direction of art as an agent of change and discussion. We congratulate Ruby on this achievement, as we do the rest of the very important and engaging artworks that made their way into the final selection of this year’s exhibition.
Honourable mentions in the short list for the 2019 Packers’ Prize are:
Connor Fallon, Wanneroo Secondary College, for Boys don’t Cry
Joshua Surin, Ellenbrok Secondary College, for 文化 (Culture)
Genevieve Mathews, Penrhos College, for Ocean in the Plastic
