30.03.2023

Beacon has its first Visual Arts Exhibition of the Diploma Programme

By Gabriel Oliveira

As part of the first Visual Arts class of the IB Diploma Programme, three students from the 3rd year of High School (Y12) held an exhibition of individual works. The works presented are the result of a process developed over four semesters, in which they ventured into artistic experimentation and extensive research. All in order to compose a theoretical and practical repertoire to produce the works specifically created for this moment, thus following the same path as the other schools that adopted the DP-IB.

As expected by the IB curriculum, the students worked on their autonomy and, with the support of the research and exercises, approached subjects of their choice through techniques developed in the studio. The students were also responsible for setting up the show and their artwork will be displayed on the first floor of the High School building for a week so that the whole community has the opportunity to appreciate and honor the artists.  The art teacher, Tomás Vega, took on a different role than that of a traditional mentor, guiding the students as a kind of provocateur, instigating them and bringing new perspectives on the direction of their work. 

Despite pursuing different ends, the students had the opportunity to work and learn together, producing works that composed their own universe within the exhibition. Bianca Z. worked with the various technical aspects of graphics and Maria D. explored the immensity of human feelings and emotions based on her life experience. Valentina R. focused her work on the theme of hypersensitivity and emotional intensity, also from a subjective perspective. 

They were challenged to come out of their comfort zones, especially during the production of their art pieces. Valentina R., who is used to drawing, took a chance on sculpture and modeled a semi-torture with a detailed heart in place of a head. Maria D. spent countless hours gluing more than 1500 nails into a sculpture, showing the connection between the worlds of Fashion and Visual Arts. Bianca Z., in turn, sequenced beetle graphics and explored the encounters between art and science.

The exhibition and the works celebrate the first Visual Arts Exhibition of Beacon’s Diploma Programme. With this achievement, the school also joins the international group of institutions that adopt the IB. Beyond the academic issues, the moment commends the union between three different students and three different artists who have engaged to show the result of a long process of research and work.