To coincide with the release of their GCSE Controlled Assessment exam paper, the 5th Form artists went on a trip to Tate Modern, the enormous converted power station on the banks of the Thames.
The aim of the trip was to gather as much inspiration, photos and drawings as possible to help kickstart their new projects. The main exhibition, just opened, was the once in a lifetime retrospective of Robert Rauschenberg. His ability to combine painting with sculpture and create artwork from everyday materials and junk certainly caught the pupils imaginations. His name even appeared on the exam paper giving him extra relevance. We also had the opportunity to explore Switch House, the new extension to the gallery. Designed by Herzog and de Meuron it is an impressive structure with fascinating shapes and angles making photographing it easy. The view across the city from the top was spectacular on a clear blue frosty day and with Architecture set as one of the exam themes the pupils were able to capitalize on recording information to extend into their art projects on their return to the Art studios.
The school is entering a number of student art works into the Saatchi Schools Art Prize. This is an international online exhibition and competition where a panel of judges will select 20 pieces to go on exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery on the King’s Road, Chelsea. Well done to all those who have had their work shortlisted.