“From Thought to Canvas” was organized by IB DP Visual Arts students of the class of 2024 (Hannah Zheng, Henry Zhao, Ivy Xue, and Jessica Qi). The goal is to reach into the depths of the soul and translate the intangible nature of thoughts and emotions into tangible expressions on canvas, creating visual narratives that resonate with the viewer. As you explore the gallery, you can immerse yourself in the different styles and media each art student has chosen to express their unique perspectives, providing you with opportunities for reflection and exchange.
The title of the exhibition is based on key concepts from all of the students’ work. There were sixteen works in four series including 《Nurture》, 《Born of Fire》, 《One Sixth》, and 《Redeemer》. They have worked very hard on this exhibition, guided by Ms. Leena, the Visual Arts teacher.
“From Thoughts to Canvas” is the unifying theme, and each piece is a visual embodiment of their reflections on healing, coexistence, memory, and the passage of time. Together, these works express the complexity of human emotions, the fragility of nature, and the effects of time, inviting the viewer to see the world from different perspectives and to reflect on their own role in the stories unfolding around them. It demonstrates the artists’ ability to capture the essence of ideas and translate them into various forms of visual storytelling. However the creative process is not an easy one, and the artists are faced with the challenge of translating abstract concepts into concrete visual language. How to find the right medium and technique to convey their ideas without losing their essence. The final outcome of the exhibition not only demonstrated their emerging artistic capabilities but also proved the power of art to bridge the gap between the internal world of ideas and the external world of expression.
The IB Visual Arts Exhibition will have a profound impact on their learning. Firstly, the exhibition provided a platform to combine self-study knowledge with actual works of art, allowing students to intuitively understand the application of color, composition, and other artistic elements in actual creation. In-depth analyses were conducted on how artists express emotions through color contrasts, or how spatial layouts are used to direct the audience’s attention. In the exhibition, visitors will see how the students visually translated themes such as environmental protection or memory, the passage of time, and so on.
Finally, participating in the process of preparing and setting up an exhibition is a valuable practical experience for students. They will not only learn how to plan an exhibition and set up their own works but also experience first-hand the process of communicating with the public and presenting their own works. They will also learn how to plan their time effectively, co-ordinate their resources, and present their work confidently in front of the public. These experiences will not only contribute directly to their IB program of study but also lay a solid foundation for their future academic and professional development.
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Author:
Leena Nothoo (MYP/DP Visual Arts Teacher)
