Innis Francis
Form Four and Five students of San Fernando East Secondary School concluded a three-day art exhibition with an eclectic display of creative works at Mr Julien’s Art Room on the school compound.
The exhibition featured pieces produced as part of the students’ preparation for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Students had lobbied the school’s head of department to allow members of the public to view their work. Some of the pieces also formed part of their School-Based Assessment (SBA), contributing to their final examination marks.
Many of the exhibits incorporated non-perishable or disposable materials and were executed using a range of media including acrylic, pastel, coloured pencils, clay, charcoal and chalk.
A school official said the institution has long maintained a strong visual and performing arts programme.
“The students displayed a solid collective body of work that resonates with the spirit and soul. The pieces transform your emotions when you look at them,” the official said.
Over the years, students from the school have won numerous competitions in the creative and visual arts. Officials also take pride in the murals displayed around the campus, which remain untouched by graffiti.
“That is because of the respect students have for the arts and how they honour the work of the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) department,” the official said.
Several students also spoke about the dedication and sacrifices required to complete their projects.
Among them was Form Five student Breanna Lewis, whose creativity extended beyond the requirements of the assignment. To enhance her project, Lewis sought guidance from a ceramic specialist, learned the skill and produced a ceramic cosmetology tray and curling iron set.
Lewis said although she does not intend to pursue art as a career, she was pleased with the outcome of her work.
“I went after school and learned ceramics. I enjoy working with clay, painting and putting things together,” she said. “This piece was for my SBA on heritage. I created a dancer with heritage symbols and attached hair to it.”
She added that while she is still unsure what she wants to study at university, she believes more opportunities should be created for students interested in earning from art.
“Both online and physical art are important. Online art can generate ideas, but the hands-on work is just as important,” she said.
Form Five student Nicholas Moseley said he was fascinated by the origins of the galaxy. His piece, titled Movement of COVID-19 to Earth, used acrylic paint to depict the virus travelling through space toward the planet.
Meanwhile, Form Four student Shanika Baptiste demonstrated versatility through both crochet and pencil drawing. Her portrait of a model, completed in pencil, took approximately three hours to produce.
“I would like to continue doing art and eventually sell my pieces,” Baptiste said. “I also hope to attend UWI. Most of what I’ve learned, I learned here at school.”
Head of the VAPA department, Paul Julien ,said art remains an important avenue of expression and development for young people.
“Art is a safe space for children. It is everywhere, and people are increasingly interested in it,” Julien said. “It is no longer considered a taboo subject. As a creative, you can make your way in the world, whether through visual art or other forms of media. There is a market and a space for creativity.”
Julien said many of the pieces emphasised acrylic painting and mixed media, incorporating materials such as fabrics, glue, cardboard, toothpicks, twigs and twine to create texture and depth.
He praised the students for producing such high-quality work within just two months, noting that the projects were completed alongside their other demanding academic subjects.
