The annual exhibition, Top Arts, is a celebration of students who have excelled in VCE art subjects. This year, the exhibition showcases the works of 40 artists from 1400 submissions. The exhibition is divided into sections, including Mother Nature, Portraits, and Knowledge. Each section features a unique blend of artistic mediums and styles.
- Diptychs, triptychs, and polyptychs are common in these walls, showcasing the versatility of the artists.
- The exhibition features a range of techniques, from traditional mediums like lino cut print and ceramics to more modern mediums like oil, paper, and resin.
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One of the standout features of the exhibition is the soundtracking, provided by the church bells from Indigo Gordonâs looping animation, Membrane Wulf. The animation is a visually striking tale of the genesis of the wolf, and the church bells create a mesmerizing atmosphere that complements the artwork on display.
| Artist | Work | Medium |
| Ethan Mangopoulos | My Life | Oil, paper, gesso, resin, and wood |
| Elkan Brady | A Light | Lino cut print |
| Elektra Katsalidis | Deconstructed Cabinet of Curiosities | Multimedia |
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For example, Ethan Mangopoulosâ My Life consists of three panels of strikingly loud skeletal colour, expertly curated to be sandwiched between Elkan Bradyâs lino cut print A Light and Elektra Katsalidisâ wall of fascinating multimedia Deconstructed Cabinet of Curiosities. This diptych showcases the artistâs use of bold, expressive colour.
- Georgina Quahâs octaptych The Information Action Ratio uses current communication trends as its theme, with every panel a screen shot of an Instagram photo.
- Aliandra Nasrunâs Wood Song features a vital physicality, with two music sheets printed on wood and hacked into with an axe.
- Arielle Humphreysâ pair of portraits Taliâs Faith and Grandmaâs Faith are well on the way to attract judges of the Archibald Prize.
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Another highlight of the exhibition is the use of current communication trends as a theme. For instance, Georgina Quahâs octaptych The Information Action Ratio uses oil, paper, gesso, resin, and wood to create a thought-provoking commentary on the impact of social media on our lives. The panels are each a screen shot of an Instagram photo, which adds a layer of familiarity and relevance to the artwork.
- Eddy Edwardsâ Pink Celery is an enneaptych featuring nine portrait-style photos of people covered in tattoos, each with a quote below them.
- Sanuthmee Kariyawasamâs Morbid Curiosities use ceramics, photographs, painted rocks, and clay to create a fascinating and unsettling experience.
- Yasmine Chakielliâs Lands of Tatreez uses ceramics to create a stunning and intricate design.
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Despite the subjective nature of the selection process, the exhibition showcases an admirably diverse range of subjects, ideas, and mediums. The use of ceramics, photographs, painted rocks, and clay are just a few examples of the many mediums on display.
| Medium | Artist | Work |
| Ceramics | Sanuthmee Kariyawasam | Morbid Curiosities |
| Photographs | Elektra Katsalidis | Deconstructed Cabinet of Curiosities |
| Painted rocks | Anoushka Russell | Dovetails |
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In conclusion, the annual exhibition Top Arts is a celebration of the artistic voices of tomorrow. The exhibition showcases the works of 40 artists from 1400 submissions, and features a range of artistic mediums and styles. The soundtracking, provided by the church bells from Indigo Gordonâs looping animation, Membrane Wulf, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that complements the artwork on display. The exhibition is a testament to the power of art to bring people together and inspire new generations of artists.
âArt is the only way to run away without leaving home.â â Twyla Tharp
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While the selection process may be subjective, the exhibition is a laudable celebration of artistic talent and creativity. The exhibition provides an opportunity for artists to showcase their work and receive feedback, which can be a valuable stepping stone for their careers. As the saying goes, â Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.â With hard work and dedication, artists like those featured in Top Arts 2024 have the potential to make a significant impact on the art world.
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