On Monday 7th October, our Year 10 and 11 GCSE Art students took to the sights and sounds of London in search of fresh inspiration both ‘Above and Below’ (Year 10 theme) their line of sight, but also in seek of dynamic ‘Reflections’ and ‘Divided’ (Year 11 theme) compositions to help develop their portfolios. The GCSE Art students visited key art locations around the capital to boost portfolios and unlock critical discussion about the role of contemporary art amidst the changing landscape of technology, shifting economies and cultural regeneration.
After a delayed start, the 30 strong group diverted from the Square Mile via the Docklands Light Railway to take in the changing face of Canary Wharf. Once a bustling port dock for global trade, London’s Isle of Dogs has continually evolved. Through the boom era of the 80s the towering skyscrapers still cast their reflections and shadows on the wide streets and enclosed docks, but with the introduction of the Crossrail and a shift in working patterns, the area is undergoing change once again.
Only days before our arrival a newly decked biodiversity garden now edges the central dock, with tourists and office workers sharing the space, while a musician played and Leighton Park artists paused to take it in. The whole area served up plentiful opportunities for photography and Meilyr, Year 10, recounted his highlight being ‘the Crossrail skygarden, a refreshing contrast from the busy, rapid streets of London below.’
After a busy morning meandering through one of the UK’s largest collections of public sculpture, the students then headed to the Tate Modern via the Uber boat river taxi enabling students to take in the history along the rivers edge; picking out the old haunts of artists in Wapping to the majestic mall at Hays Wharf. Once at the Tate Modern, the group enjoyed the contemporary art offerings amidst the expanse of the Turbine Hall, echoing the old days of trade further down stream.
With Long Leave nearly upon us, it provides time for further reflection on this busy day, hopefully inspiring fresh new work throughout Autumn and into Spring.
Click here for more photographs from this trip.
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