Artists in Oakview: Digital Selfies

With ‘all systems go’ in the Art Department studios once again the team have had the opportunity to share some of the wonderful digital work by the talented  year 7s, from their remote learning experience during the Spring Term.

They, like countless other artists, found their time at home presented the chance to use a different set of practical tools. Swapping their real paintbrushes for something altogether more virtual, they created unique self-portraits, with bold colourways and crisp outlines. Inspired by the graphic figures of Julian Opie and the forever versatile and pioneering techniques of David Hockney, Year 7 sharpened their editing skills to create equally characterful ‘selfies’.

Reflecting on the experience, Daisy commented, “I think it was fun and good doing art in lockdown because even though we were at home we could take the experience and try something new like digital art. I’m quite proud of my finished self-portrait because I spent a lot of time on it, and it was a new art technique for me.”

Head of Art, Mark Wood, commented “The display in the School’s restaurant foyer is deliberately something that diners at Oakview can relate to with its Pop Art styling and familiarity, but also as a symbolic nod to the lifeline that digital learning and interaction can offer. We are however, all glad that we can also exist in real time back in school and eat together once again. We hope it inspires others to open up other ways to express themselves. In the words of David Hockney, ‘Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is about knowing which ones to keep’.”