curatorial statement 

In 2007 ARTEXPRESS returns to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It continues to be a positive reflection of young people's concerns and their creative voice, as well as exemplifying visual arts education in this state. Each year the diverse group of artists represented in this important exhibition present vibrant, confident, unexpected and challenging expressions, offering with surprising insights into our world.

This year's selection is underpinned by more traditional media practices. There is a strong presence of painting, drawing and sculpture. There is a sense of the hand at work; evidence of materials being manipulated - some chosen for their sheer aesthetic and sensual appeal, others deliberately selected for their conceptual contribution, making the medium integral to the message. These artworks offer a counterpoint to the always prevalent and impressive power of contemporary photographic, film, digital and graphic images within the exhibition which often engage with similar themes.

Each year the selection process begins by viewing individual artworks in isolation. They are selected for their exceptional qualities - use of materials and processes, concepts and ideas, wit and humour, clarity and insight and a successful marriage of these. When they enter the Gallery, the exhibition design process comes into play, identifying the cohesive qualities that bind individual artworks into an intelligible whole. This may be the reverse of a more conventional curatorial process where the curator has a rationale or aim and searches for art works to fulfil it.

The reccurring themes in ARTEXPRESS - love, family, identity, the body, relationships, community, religion, politics nature and the environment, to name a few - are universal human experiences, topics to be pondered again and again and of course they are also the foundation of much of the art in the Gallery's permanent collection. These themes reflect the search for meaning and clarity by the young artists involved in the exhibition. A challenge taken up by each new generation of artists.

ARTEXPRESS is a nexus between visual arts education and professional practice. It bridges the gap between classroom activities and public presentation - between the developing visual arts practice of students and the professional practice of the artworld. This professional armature is what the Gallery brings to the presentation of ARTEXPRESS and to the experience of the large audience that views it annually. This experience may be inspiring and motivational, a pathway leading to expanding connections and ongoing relationships with the Gallery's collections, its histories and traditions, and perhaps even to discovering a place amongst them.

As the principal venue, the Art Gallery of New South Wales has hosted ARTEXPRESS for 24 years. This enduring relationship affirms the Gallery's commitment to art education in New South Wales. It showcases student works from both government and non-government schools, which are presented in the midst of prized works by professional artists, past and present.

ARTEXPRESS is a much admired result of the art practice of our students as well as being a confirmation of the talent and professionalism of our Visual Arts teachers.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is delighted once again to present this important exhibition of outstanding works of art generated in New South Wales High School Visual Art classrooms.

Tristan Sharp
Senior Coordinator, Education Programs
Public Programs Department, AGNSW