Students at Melton Secondary College got a chance to flex their creative muscles last week for an annual art exhibition.
From 3.30–7pm on Thursday, September 12, a range of works from a variety of disciplines were on display for parents, friends, staff, and community members to see.
Arranged by the school’s art department, the show featured paintings, short films, live performances, and installations.
One student who got to showcase their talent was Emma.
By blending live action and animation, Emma was able to create a story about “isolation and loneliness”.
“I wanted to represent what it feels like to be different – either mentally or physically,” she said.
“I hope they [viewers] can realise it’s a common feeling and that even if they feel lonely, they aren’t alone.”
Elena, who made a large oil painting for the show, explored similar themes to Emma.
“[My art] is about alienation and how that is growing in our society,” she said.
“You see it more often online but also in person. When you go out in the street, people are disconnected from others.”
Elena said the individual on the right side of the image demonstrates this epidemic of apathy.
“It illustrates how people look away – -the bystander effect. We see problems but we choose to ignore them because we are so indifferent now.”
Drew made two paintings on “sexualisation” and “liberty” to contrast the male gaze and female gaze.
“My pieces… come together to show the juxtaposition between different views and how we experience that,” she said.
“Growing up as a girl, even when you are young, you are forced to look and feel a certain way about yourself.”
Drew said she spent “a lot of time after school” getting her work up to scratch for the exhibition.
This year, several students from Melton Secondary College have applied for the Top Arts and Top Screen 2025 programs.
This would mean the art or media pieces are shown at the National Gallery of Victoria in the city alongside other exceptional work from VCE students.
