Rationale
The program provides opportunities to students who display a strong ability in the Visual Arts with an emphasis on creative and critical thinking. Students learn how art is shaped by different beliefs, values and meanings by exploring artists and artworks from different times and places and relationships in the art world between the artist-artwork-world-audience. They also explore how their own lives and experiences can influence their artmaking and critical and historical studies. Student’s artmaking skills are further developed using a range of materials and techniques in 2D, 3D and 4D forms, including traditional and contemporary forms, to build a body of work over time. Students learn from expert staff and practicing artists and participate in exhibitions both at Mosman High School and Mosman Art Gallery as well as research excursions.
Advantages
The major purpose of a visual arts program for artistically gifted and talented students is to bring students together with high interests and abilities in art in ways that will broaden and deepen their knowledge about art and growth of their technical skills. The group will exercise idea generation including brainstorming and discussion, problem finding and analysis, information and materials gathering and explore a variety of material practice provided by expert staff.
Curriculum
Drawing underpins and strengthens all artmaking. The students will be provided with many drawing opportunities leading to painting, sculpture and printmaking and representation of realistic and abstract concepts.