2010 Media Releases

smART EXPRESSion art exhibition

07 January 2010

Old Man River by Hannah Debus
Hannah Debus, Old Man River
A Woman's Right to Shoes by Eliza Cannon
Eliza Cannon, A Woman's Right to Shoes
The Stress of Education by Marco Riotto
Marco Riotto, The Stress of Education

An exciting and diverse selection of Higher School Certificate artworks, created by year 12 students from Willoughby Girls and Chatswood High Schools, are on display in the Foyer Exhibition Space at Willoughby City Council from 9 December 2009 to 25 January 2010.

The exhibition, now in its fourth year, is an initiative of Willoughby City Council. It brings together a diverse collection of artworks that exemplify the breadth of talent amongst High School students in the Willoughby local government area.

The works were selected based on innovation and originality and range from installations to paintings, works on paper, photography and a short film.

One of the most notable artworks selected for inclusion is an emotive painting of the late actor Heath Ledger titled Old Man River by Hannah Debus from Willoughby Girls High School. Homage to Ledger, the painting sensitively captures the actor in four contrasting, yet complementary, poses.

Another impressive artwork is by Willoughby Girls High student Eliza Cannon titled A Woman's Right to Shoes. The two piece large scale works on paper explore issues of feminism, gender and identity. Combining image and text they each possess a marvelous contemporary and evocative quality, and demonstrate a mature approach to art and life.

Also on display is a wonderful short film by Chatswood High student Marco Riotto, titled The Stress of Education.  The five minute animation takes us on a journey of the ups and downs of adolescence, from home, through the streets and into the classroom. It is a dark, yet humorous look at the trials and tribulations of high school, particularly for the year 12 student. This is an accomplished production and exemplifies the skill of Riotto as a promising animator and film maker.

“Willoughby City Council is delighted to display these exemplary artworks by talented year 12 students from the local area. I encourage our residents to take a few moments to visit the exhibition and appreciate the skill, creativity and social conscience of our young artists,” said Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly.

For further information phone 9777 1000.


Media Contact
Media and Marketing Group Manager
Phone: 9777 7703
Mobile: 0421 492 757
Email: rebecca.hill@willoughby.nsw.gov.au