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IB Art Examinations Showcase Impressive Student Work

International Baccalaureate Art classes at New Hampton School are making an incredible impact on NHS students, their understanding of the creative process, and the way they think about art. The IB art students showcased all they have learned and produced last week as part of the IB Visual Art Examination. It included a visit from an outside examiner.

“It's a lot of work to culminate,” said Arts Department Chair Amy Wilson. “Because their art work is about them and for them, the completion of it includes intense reflection and awareness.  They gain a much stronger sense of self, as well as a vision for their future art work.”  

The student work will be in the Galletly Gallery until the end of April with an artist reception set for April 22, at 5:30 pm.

The IB Visual Art examination includes, for HLA students, submission of 25-30 pages of their Investigation Workbooks, 15-18 portfolio pieces, two photographs of their portfolio exhibit in the gallery, a candidate (artist) statement, and a film of a 15- minute monologue.

Wilson is thrilled with the way students have embraced the process and the personal nature of their art.

“I am most proud when they use their technical skills to successfully express a concept that is really meaningful to them, Wilson said. “I am also proud when they can articulate their critical thought and knowledge of art in understanding others' work.”

Part of the examination is a filmed monologue by each student articulating their vision, growth, strength, influences, process, and more. To practice for this, each student goes through two "mock" examinations. Laying out their portfolio for the first time and seeing it as a body of work is quite powerful. Sometimes this moment is the first time a student actually believes they are an artist.  This is also when themes become apparent.  One student this year said she didn't have a theme in her work, but when asked to look objectively, she realized that identity and social commentary were strong threads that ran throughout the two years of her work.

In their first year of IB Art, students learn the full cycle of the creative process: from brainstorming an idea, creating multiple proposals, informing their work through connections with other artists and cultures, media studies, final proposals, studio work on the final piece, and then writing an annotated reflection. They also learn specific technical and conceptual skills, to make their art work personal and purposeful, and critical thinking skills.

The second year of IB Visual Art is generally a year of tremendous growth for the student artists.  The students work more conceptually and more personally, developing their personal vision with each structured assignment and personal project.   

“When looking at this year's examination exhibit it is easy to see the tremendous variety in concept, technique, and media among each of the portfolios,” Wilson said.  “With the IB deadline looming in early April, January and February are months of high production, each student working independently on several pieces to complete their portfolio and demonstrate their best technical and conceptual work.”
 
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  • Ebehijie Momoh
    I see my daughter's art portfolio and I amazed at what she has done! I am so proud of Naomi! Thank you NHS!
  • Ebehijie Momoh
    Wow! The art portfolio are just excellent!
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