For two of Illawarra’s recently graduated high school students, the ARTEXPRESS exhibition is a prestigious reward for their months of hard work.
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Angus Cochrane from The Illawarra Grammar School and Sharnie Loija from Figtree High School, will both have their HSC artwork displayed during this year’s exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Surfer Cochrane from Coledale has lived his life by the ocean.
It was therefore no surprise that his artwork, consisting of six photographs and a three minute video, focused on the human form in an underwater setting.
‘‘Everything was shot locally in Coledale, in reef spots, nooks and crannies that I had discovered swimming and surfing’’, Cochrane said.
‘‘It [photography] was the work I had the most success with over the years, yet for this I had to test a lot of new equipment, work with new lens and settings, and wait for the best water conditions.
‘‘My teachers were all so helpful through the process, they gave me a lot of leeway to focus on the medium I wanted to use.’’
Department of Education and Communities’ Executive Director, Jane Simmons said ARTEXPRESS is a collaborative project that selects the best artworks from New South Wales high schools, for public viewing.
‘‘Many students featured through ARTEXPRESS have gone on to become highly successful and well-regarded international artists’’, she said.
Cochrane plans to take a year abroad before coming back to study a double degree in Creative Arts and Environmental Studies.
The 32nd exhibition will showcase 37 of the best works of art and is open to the public until April 19.