Doha British School (DBS) recently inaugurated its annual IB Art Exhibit featuring over 100 art pieces from IB Visual Art students, Year 11 GCSE Fine Art and Textile Design, and Year 12 students. Also exhibiting this year are select students who represented DBS in the BSME Art Competition 2022.
According to DBS Ain Khaled Secondary Art Teacher Ruth Battersby, the DBS IB exhibitions are growing from strength to strength each year.
I have always felt a sense of pride when it comes to showcasing my students’ work, however this year, I am overwhelmingly proud of our student artists. Through the height of COVID-19, virtual learning environments and blended learning, the students have stayed inspired throughout this time.
Each exhibiting student selected their own topic of study which is personal and meaningful to them, resulting in a very diverse exhibition, which allows each student to stand out individually. Ms Battersby added that the exhibition only scratches the surface with the amount of research, planning and exceptional hard work the students have exerted behind the scenes.
First public event in two years
The incredible talent of students is demonstrated with every artwork on display. From traditional painting to digital illustrations; textile fashion to sculptural displays, there is something for everyone. The exhibitions are designed to be interactive, inviting the audience to immerse themselves into the artworks and exhibition experience, added Ms Battersby.
Excitement was high as this year’s exhibition marked the first time in two years when the school was finally able to host such a controlled-public event. There were live music, food and drinks, and in attendance were parents, friends and families from the DBS community.
The exhibition experience was a great confidence boost, says Year 13 participant Cassandra Poliacik-Smith. She said that having the opportunity to explain the research behind the artworks and their hidden meanings to a wide audience was invigorating.
Another Year 13 participant Beril Robson said that displaying his work for friends and family really pushed him outside of his comfort zone. He said he was so happy with the amount of encouragement and positive reactions he received about his artworks.
IB Visual Arts is a once in a lifetime experience, shared another Year 13 student Naima Schuster. She said she was able to express her own journey and heritage through artwork.
High standard of student art
In the recent British Schools Overseas Inspections (BSO), DBS was commended for its extremely high standard display of student art and textiles around the school, a remarkable testament to the high quality of teaching and learning the school provides in the field of arts.
DBS Executive Principal Paul Sherlock said he is immensely proud and amazed at the standard of work students at DBS produce. He said that the hard work and effort the students have put in is an absolute credit. The art exhibition was a wonderful opportunity for the students to talk in detail about their work and what influenced their final designs.
We set high expectations of all our students at DBS and this cohort have once again excelled in the work they have produced.
Principal Sherlock also acknowledged the hard work and relentless support from the staff in the Art department during the challenging COVID-19 times. He said that the art department continues to raise the bar year-on-year in producing fine artists of the future.
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