The IB Visual Arts Exhibition feels like a mini museum, filled with the most personal of stories reflected in each student's artwork that is hung, alongside their hearts, on the walls inside the Innovation Lab. Inspiration for the self-curated pieces included precious moments from a non-traditional upbringing, stories of strength and courage from immigrant experiences, the daunting idea of time in a capitalistic society, the elements of horror as a representation of fear and darkness, the belief that tough times never last, only tough people, and beauty and goodness in the world. “The honesty in the work never ceases to amaze me,” said Claire Cronin, WMHS art teacher. “They take their creativity to places that are at once vulnerable and brave.”
Research, theory, creativity, and curatorial skills are all components of the two-year IB Visual Arts course. “The IB Visual Art Exhibition is not only a showcase of incredible student talent and creativity, but also a beautiful reflection of the IB Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATLs) that we are committed to fostering in all of our students,” said Catherine Addor, GCSD Director of IB, ENL, and WL. “The work exemplifies how our students engage in critical thinking, creative expression, self-management, and reflection. These skills go far beyond the canvas and into every aspect of their learning journeys.”
The students answered questions from visitors during the exhibition which was open to WMHS teachers, staff, students, and families. “I chose acrylic canvas, ceramic, weaving, glass stain collage, and watercolors for my mediums,” said Isabella Mackenzie Vizuet of her nine pieces inspired by artist Sam Butcher. Alexa Perez’s artwork is arranged in a corner of the room, its cultural accents convey warmth, empathy, and meaning. “My projects are based on my parents and the immigration experience,” said Alexa. “It’s the story of my family’s resilience and bravery brought to life.” Victoria Williams wanted to capture the idea that with peace, perseverance, and courage, you can overcome difficulties in life. The description underneath a painting with the names of world religions around a table reads: This artwork symbolizes peace through unity and dialogue despite the chaos of hardship. The table represents a shared space where differences emerge and hope and resilience arise. “I based my painting on Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper to show that everyone has a seat at the table despite the chaos.”
If visitors missed the artists at their tables, title cards, and curatorial rationales provided insights and explanations behind their creations. The theme I explored is the general idea of the beauty of humanity and all its little idiosyncrasies. I presented my body of work as vibrant and colorful with a pleasing format that flows seamlessly from piece to piece, read Christopher Bravo’s curatorial rationale. One of his pieces, All Around Us, is a globe made of paper mǎché newspaper articles wrapped around a large foam ball. On the card, Christopher writes The articles included award winners, segregation ending, diseases being cured, heroic everyday civilians, and more. I wanted to depict how these things are prevalent all across the world, so I used a foam ball to represent the earth and how there is good everywhere if we look hard enough. In the center of his art pieces, Christopher intentionally placed an object to connect his body of work, a mirror - an easy place to find beauty and goodness.
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