Merrifield College will be holding an exhibition of the work of its 13 grade 12 art pupils at the school’s clubhouse from November 12.
This year’s Independent Examinations Board (IEB) theme, “Truth and Fiction”, has allowed pupils to explore and express their unique perspectives.
Merrifield held an art evening on Thursday last week to showcase the beautiful artworks created by the matric art class of 2024 and to celebrate the support of their parents, teachers and everyone involved in their artistic journey.
Headmaster Guy Hartley commended the art department for its “winning formula”.
Art teachers Welcome Nethi and Camilla du Preez are proud of this talented group of matric artists.
Pupil Courtney Linke said seven of her artworks were being exhibited.
“What inspired my artworks is the poverty cycle and the lack of cultural diversity in post-apartheid SA.
“For each of my artworks, I speak about the ‘truth and fiction’ of the Rainbow Nation,” she said.
Courtney said her artworks were portraits that depicted people of different age, class, race and culture.
Her first love — art — began at a young age when she attended “Sharon’s Art School”.
“It was before I went to primary school and I was chosen to attend art in the art academy at Hudson Park Primary School.
“But the person who definitely helped me fall in love with art was my dad — he often liked to sketch with me or colour with me — as well as my uncle.
“When I was in grade 3, my uncle drew a portrait of Nelson Mandela in charcoal and ever since then I strived to create a piece just as amazing as that.”
She said she used a graphite pencil to create her unique works.
“I also chose to interpret the theme ‘truth and fiction’ very differently from the rest of my class.
“While most of my class’s sub-interpretation of the theme had to do with themselves and their childhood, I chose to use this theme as a way to speak out about a very serious situation in SA that many people chose to ignore,” she said.
Anna-Christina Kuchler is showcasing five pieces.
“These pieces explore my journey of self-discovery and identity.
“I’ve delved into our theme and examined my dual cultural background as both coloured South African and European German.”
She said she fell in love with art because it allowed her to “fully express myself”, without limitations.
“I love seeing how art can affect the world and the unique perspectives of different artists,” Anna-Christina said.
“Art constantly teaches me new things, whether in theory or technique, and it’s been a passion that makes me genuinely happy.”
Her work is inspired by her experiences, views, personality and story.
“Even my style, the way I hold a pencil, or my drawing technique, is different from anyone else’s.
“Each person’s individuality is reflected in their art ... I feel like I’ve been doing art for as long as I can remember, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” she said.
Art teacher Du Preez said: “Merrifield is deeply committed to supporting the arts — including drama, music and visual arts.
“This exhibition offers a platform to celebrate the outstanding work of our grade 12 visual art students and to foster a love for art within the school and broader community.
“The matrics have worked tremendously hard this year as the IEB standards for matric-level visual arts are rigorous.”
Du Preez said the exhibition allowed the school to commend each pupil for their dedication and exceptional effort.
“This group has consistently honed their skills in visual arts throughout high school, receiving numerous awards over the years at the East London ELFEST and the East London High Schools exhibitions held annually at the Belgravia Art Centre,” she said.
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