On the 24th of September 2020, the students of Elizabeth Moir Senior School held an art exhibition with the goal of not just simply showcasing their talents, but also expressing themselves to the fullest and calling attention to the important social issues going on in the world today through their art. It was a display of very raw and honest representations of work which expresses a common sentiment shared by almost all the students. Linda Speldewinde and Shelanthi Abayagunawardene were the chief guests and judges for the event.

The topic the students had chosen is “Stronger together” which conveys a collective sentiment that the students felt admidst the current situation. After having seen the exhibition first hand it was clear that these kids have poured their hearts and souls into their pieces conveying their emotions, frustrations, annoyance, their internal struggles, family problems, anger being locked down and not seeing any purpose in their future.

There were a range of different and important themes conveyed such as Black Lives Matter, racism, sexism, LGBTQ, Islamaphobia, animal cruelty and pollution.

“Art is the way in which creative beings understand the world and communicate their thoughts using many media. An artist’s personal principle should be that, while style is important, developing technique and skill is fundamental to one’s artistic integrity. One must learn the basics before breaking free of technicalities and delving into the abstract. I encourage my students to challenge themselves every day, aiming to perfect myriad skills, to both enlighten and entertain their audience.”

– Aruni Wijegunawardene, Art Teacher Elazabeth Moir

The topic for their Inter House Art competition was “This is my voice” where the students were asked to convey their inner conflicts, struggles, beliefs, using this exhibition as a platform to make a statement because they will be heard and acknowledged. The students who could not draw were told they can write how they felt or even draw sound waves and show their concerns.

The exhibition also included very powerful live performances from the students.

“You know you’ve succeeded when you witness their progress ability and broaden their skills. Not only are they capable of expressing themselves using many media but they do with such insight, having studied many artists old and new, they succeed in gaining brilliant results because they absorb the knowledge given to them. They enjoy each lesson with such enthusiasm only because the information given to them is made very interesting.  It’s very frustrating though to know such talent exists and will not appreciated as curators, architects’ and art collectors manipulate who’s paintings should be famous and who’s should not. They raise the value on existing pieces produced by their favorites for their own advantage. There by calling every abstract piece expressive art.  It is indeed very sad to educate students to improve their skill, making them love the subject only to face a commercialized future.” – Aruni Wijegunawardene, Art Teacher Elazabeth Moir

The youth need to heard as they have a lot to say and contribute towards making the world a better place. The pieces on display at this exhibition showed much passion and emotion, they are a prime example of that. Visit the album Stronger Together: Elizabeth Moir Art Exhibition for a better look at the exhibition.