Visitors to Springwood Art Show are in for a “shock of the new” by the outstanding showcase of talent from August 25 to 27.
Springwood High School principal Mark Howie said he was reminded of esteemed Australian art critic and author the late Robert Hughes when he reflected on this year’s art show theme “It’s time to make your mark”.
“Hughes wrote of how art has the power to move us out of the sort of complacency and neglectful blindness; to the world around us that can follow from homogenisation.
“It has the capacity to awaken us to life and the physical world, with all its beauty, joy, complexity, harshness and unpredictability, and to lead us to think about the experience of being human in a more contemplative way.
“At its best, it’s most powerful or enjoyable, it does this through what Hughes called the ‘shock’ of the new.’’
While such a shock could be harsh and confronting, it could also be gentle and encouraging, Dr Howie said.
“The ‘shock of the new’ is that moment when art disorientates us, catches us by surprise in some way and asks us to look at ourselves and our world with fresh eyes and even a new perspective.”
Dr Howie thanked the Parents & Citizens Association for organising the school’s main fundraiser and the many volunteers who had donated their time and efforts during the past 41 years.
He urged visitors to pay special attention to the student artworks: “Last year, an art collector from Sydney bought three works by one of our students, then in Year 9, and we were delighted to have one of our former students, renowned photographer David Darcy, as a special guest.”
Springwood Art Show will be held at Springwood High School, Grose Rd, Faulconbridge, from August 25 to 27, with an official opening program on the Friday evening and activities and a cafe throughout the weekend. Go to https://springwoodartshow.org.au/ for more information.