Newington College

Newington Biennale: So Much More than Art for Art’s Sake

Newington Biennale: So Much More than Art for Art’s Sake

Researchers have long known that while all children are naturally creative from a young age, children who remain creatively and artistically engaged go on to become better problem-solvers and innovators. They also possess a greater propensity to express their feelings, are less anxious and more resilient. 

Which all bodes well for Newington’s ELC and Wyvern Prep young visual artists. Each of these 494 students is exhibiting artwork at the Newington Biennale 2024: Art from ELC to Year 6 Exhibition, presented by Wyvern P&F at Concordia Gallery. 

This year’s work is inspired by Australian greats, Sir Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly by Year 5 and Howard Arkley’s pop art suburban homes by Year 4. There is Kindergarten’s world of dots motivated by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, Year 2’s Egyptian deities, a Tubular Bells inspired Sound Painting diptych by the ELC, models of future urban landscapes and city constructs engineered by Year 1, Aurukun campfire dogs sculptured by Year 3, and of course, the Wyvernbald Prize Competition for Year 6 which sets students a challenge, says teacher Ms Meredith Buining. 

‘This a very emotional journey for Year 6 students because they are highly invested in making their work as good as possible because they’ve seen all the other years go before them since they started at Wyvern whether in Kindy, Year 3 or Year 5.’ 

Wverynbald Prize recipients this year include Harry L for his painting of Ronaldinho; James B for Robert Downey Junior and Xavier T for his work of rugby player, Siya Kolisi. Ryan H received a Highly Commended for his portrait of his father Calvin H, a cardiologist. He writes: I chose my dad because he is my idol. He always challenges me to be better and work harder. I always look up to him. He does so many difficult procedures and courses. I want to be just like him, hardworking. 

But it’s not just students in the latter prep years honing their portraiture skills in art classes; each year, Year 1 and Year 2 students enter into the NSW Art Gallery Young Archies competition. This year Thomas L with his portrait of ‘My Dad Felippe teaching my brother how to drive’ was shortlisted in the Young Archies.  

Ms Bolt adds visual art is essential for the Early and Infant years of education because it provides a unique platform for students to explore and interpret their world.  

‘Art encourages our children to think critically and creatively while engaging with subject matter from different perspectives. In a classroom that celebrates their unique voices, they feel confident to explore and create. The use of authentic ‘Fine Art’ materials enhances their sensory engagement, fostering a deep excitement for learning as they enthusiastically immerse themselves in their artistic expression.’ 

Ms Buining agrees that engaging with students as they discover and explore art as an emotional conduit and outlet is a truly fulfilling vocation. 

‘The art program at Newington is exceptional because it builds such great confidence and artistic foundations in our younger students so by the time they get to Year 6 there is a lot of their own thinking and creativity going on, and that is evident in the high quality of work exhibited in this year’s Newington Biennale.

Our ongoing motivation is to move these students into our senior school full of quiet confidence in their ability to make and create.’ 

The Newington Biennale is open at Concordia Gallery today and tomorrow (Friday 25 October) 8.00am to 9.00am and 3.00pm to 4.00pm and Saturday 9.00am to 12.00pm.