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On Tuesday evening, a crowd gathered for the opening of the annual Matric Art and Design exhibition. Students displayed their artworks and designs that they had completed over the past two years, as well as their final practical exam – the product of a 24-hour process based on a theme that all of the Art and Design students in the Western Cape had been given.

The theme for this year’s Visual Art exam was ‘Bridge’. Each student was able to interpret the theme and explore it in their sourcebooks before creating their final. The works on display were incredible, each one an individual and creative response that showed deep engagement and skill. There were surreal paintings, installations, portraits, and sculptures. The Art students have been expertly guided and held by their teacher, Jane Eastwood to develop their style and explore the making process.

The brief for Design was ‘African Market’, which the Design students were able to interpret through their exquisite pieces made of precious metals and inlays of wood and shells – all showcasing the specialist jewelry and metal-making skills learned from their design teacher Marcus Mercer. The designs were displayed in subtly lit boxes and viewers were hushed in admiration as they journeyed through the exhibition. There were rings, pendants, and incredible knives. The pieces would not have been out of place in a gallery or a shop.

The exhibition was opened by the head of Visual Art Western Cape, Gareth Davies, who spoke about how incredible these young people were. In Art and Design, he said, each student has to start with a blank page and create something completely new. The courage and creativity necessary for this process is unlike any other subject as everything has to come from the student. For each one to be able to complete a series of works and then to display these is commendable. The individuality and depth of interpretations evident in the work at Constantia Waldorf is also a testament to the value of Waldorf education.

Throughout the evening people moved through the exhibition pausing to admire the works and books, and the students were able to speak with confidence about their own works.

There was a sense that each student had engaged deeply with the creative process as a way to meet the world and find their place in it. The works on display were a tangible glimpse of this journey. Well done to each of you!

Donna Miles

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