Acknowledgment of Country: Imogen Rawlings 2022 Arts Captain
Welcome to Deja Vu, the 2021 St Columba's College Art Exhibition. My name is Imogen and I am the 2022 Arts Captain.
Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the first and enduring caretakers of the land on which we meet today. We pay our respects to their traditional elders both past, present and emerging, who have walked this country for countless generations.
I am beyond excited to see this exhibition being opened. Throughout it you will see many examples of incredible work from our very talented Visual Arts students. From Art to Media, Design to Studio Art the breadth of skill on display will astound you. I am so honoured to be stepping into the role of Arts Captain for St Columba's College in 2022. I have always been a very creative person and my love for the Arts has only strengthened over these last 2 years. Whilst I myself am not visually artistically talented (although I wish I was) I am constantly in awe of the many brilliant minds we have throughout this department and after the exhibition, I’m sure you will be too. I have so many ideas for the future of arts at our school and I endeavour to showcase the strengths of the wonderful students you are about to see. With all that said, I hope you enjoy the work that is on display and encourage you to take in all the detail and creativity that is flowing from this exhibition.
Imogen Rawlings Arts Captain 2022
Opening Speech: Ms Sandra Boicos - Learning Area Leader - Arts.
Welcome to our 2021 virtual art exhibition titled Déjà vu.
Who doesn’t know that feeling of having experienced a situation before? A feeling that leaves behind a powerful and uncanny sensation that you have already experienced something, even when you know you never have. The term déjà vu is a subject well suited to art, but also an appropriate title for our online exhibition given Victoria’s tedious familiarity with lockdown as we headed back into it in early August.
Just when we thought we couldn’t possibly work under these conditions again, our teachers and students proved otherwise and used the knowledge and skills learnt in 2020 to translate this sense of replay into images that will enlighten you and alter your perspective of the world we share.
As you look through the exhibition, you will agree that it reflects the breadth of our students’ practice and captures the interdisciplinary nature of the Arts program. In the senior section, themes and approaches vary widely from personal concerns of memory, perception and anxiety to global issues of environment and representation. Working to their themes meant our students were forced to look inward whilst still being very much aware of the world they inhabit.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have worked so hard to support our students in the Visual Arts this year. Firstly, a huge thank you to our College principle Ms Rita Grima and the Leadership Team who continued to support our undertaking to get supplies to our students. I’d like to extend that thanks to our support staff Lian Xerri, Damian Doherty and Frank Rowland for delivering these supplies.
I’d like to acknowledge the wonderful work of the Visual Arts staff for doing such an amazing job in getting the best out of their students during another difficult year. A huge thank you to Mr Seth Seiderman, Ms Michelle Grant, Ms Hilary Breman, Mr Scott Wiseman and Ms Keira Hudson who all worked tirelessly in and out of lockdown supporting our students and helping them achieve their best.
To our senior students – we know this has been a long and challenging two years. Year 12 is challenging at the best of times with students often experiencing anxiety and uncertainty about their future. And of course, there are the celebrations of completion and achievement that symbolise transitions. You have spent a significant proportion studying from home and have missed many celebratory milestones; which is why we choose to remember you as a cohort who, through self-motivation, adaptability and resilience showed us all what it truly means to be a St Columba’s student. You have made us proud.
Speaking of changes, the Arts Learning Area will be saying goodbye to long time staff member Mr Seth Seiderman who is retiring at the end of the year. When Mr Seiderman first arrived at STC in 2005. He did so as the Faculty Leader to put a troubled, disillusioned group of teachers back together. He did this with grace, patience and a clear vision of the direction we should head in - which was to give our students as many opportunities as possible to engage in and with the Visual Arts. He had so much faith in us as colleagues and Art Educators and was a positive role model for our students because here was a man of the world who loved art - in fact – he was passionate about Art. His faith in us as art educators and professionals was very empowering and we will always be grateful for his steady leadership and guidance. On behalf of the art staff and his many students both past and present, I’d to thank Mr Seiderman for all he has brought to our learning area and wish him retirement congratulations! It’s time to follow dreams long set aside and enjoy the rewards of a job done well. Wishing you all the best Seth.
Before I finish up, I’d like to acknowledge our new Arts Captain for 2022 – Imogen Rawlings. Imogen will be taking over the role from Allanah Hessey (2021) and has many hopes and aspirations for the coming year. Her passion for the Arts is outstanding and her leadership qualities will be a role model for all members of the College Community.
I’d like to officially declare the St Columba's College Art Exhibition for 2021 open and hope you enjoy the work of all our students and please remember to click on the ‘People’s Choice Awards’ tab below to vote for your favourite artwork.