On the evening of April 21st, appropriately accompanied by the TFS Wind Ensemble and stylish refreshments, the 2009 IB Art Show was officially opened at the Senior School.

The MPR was turned into an art gallery where 22 student participants displayed the results of their two years of artistic development in diverse, personal and impressively creative ways.

Nicole L.’s artwork was primarily abstract and incorporated contemporized symbols from Indian textiles, while next to her, Sandra W. explored textures in paper mâché and oil on canvas, and photographs that depicted elements of her Central American heritage.

Framed around the hardships and perils of growing up, Brian L.’s works included three-dimensional forms made from styrofoam. Also incorporating unusual materials, Mikaela L. used a glue gun to create delicate translucent drawings based on the theme of friendship.

Continuing the use of everyday materials reformed for artistic purposes, Zoe K-S used lacquered artichoke leaves to craft a snake on an oil and ink canvas, resulting in the snake seeming to slither across the surface.

Focusing on mundane imagery rather than materials, Desmond W.’s trio of photographs displayed the interior of big box stores, headed with text intriguingly spelling out the words Paradise, Happiness and Innocence.

Each student display also included a candidate statement, explaining the focus of their work, the processes they undertook, the challenges encountered, and proposed solutions to those challenges. Along with the artwork itself, the statements were evaluated as part of the IB examination process.

What a pleasure it is to have an art gallery on campus each spring when the IB Art Show takes place!