JUDGES' COMMENTS
It was exciting to see such a diverse and creative range of entries in the 2015 Art Speaks: Japanese Comes Alive competition.
We would again like to emphasise the competition criteria and note that the most successful entries used these criteria very effectively;
1) use inspiration from an artwork illustrated in the Art Speaks: Japanese education kit and that
2) use Japanese language elements.
Some of the most thoughtful entries used elements from the artworks in the education kit, but included their own individual approach. Jeesoo Song won the senior division with her work Onnagata taking inspiration from Karaori noh robe. Jeesoo has explored colour and delicate line work in an intriguing composition.
It was good to see students use a range of Japanese script. To make it effective, care is needed in checking that the script used is accurate, particularly in the case of kanji characters.
It was also great to see students exploring three-dimensional forms in their art making. George Leov’s What’s your zodiac? was an inspired sculpture, as was Florence McCulloch’s A woman’s heart.
The group entries and class displays were also very well thought out and achieved. Year 3 and 4 from Dalmain Primary School, WA presented Kimono, which demonstrated an effective combination of block printing, origami and Japanese language elements.
The artworks in the Art Speaks: Japanese education kit demonstrate a wide range of materials and styles as well as ideas and emotions. It would be great to see that diversity in the artworks presented for 2016. As well as exploring the images in the kit, take note of the questions and text included to inspire your ideas.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone's contributions next year.
The judges were Louise Halpin, Education Coordinator at the Art Gallery of NSW; Cathy Jonak, Senior Language Consultant; and Ben Trumbull, Program Coordinator, Japanese Language Department, The Japan Foundation, Sydney.