Lucem Sonos
Wenona's pilot Lucem Sonos exhibition took us on a journey of light and sound, representing an interdisciplinary collaboration between Years 9 and 10 Science and Visual Arts and Photomedia students.
Held in the School Hall, the exhibition took its name from Latin for light and sound and featured interactive student Science exhibits alongside photographic works by Visual Arts and Photomedia students for a Vivid-style experience, albeit indoors.
"Research unanimously shows that students engage in learning when they are completing tasks that allow them access to hands-on activities that are relevant and relatable," says Head of Science, Ms Sandra Woodward. "In Year 9 Science, we cover a unit on the properties of light and sound. This unit allows them to investigate everyday situations that involve light and sound and learn the science that explains how they work."
Light is an intrinsic part of artmaking, while the integration of multisensory experiences is a key component of student learning, according to our Director of Creative Arts, and teacher of Visual Arts and Photography, Ms Juliette Carson. "This year, the girls extended their skills by exploring light in the context of photographic light painting and in a studio and natural environment. "Working with artists and designers provided real-world experiences to demonstrate how Visual Arts and Photography skills can be transformed and transferred," Ms Carson says.
In the lead-up to Lucem Sonos, Year 9 Science students spent time researching common phenomena to do with light and sound. These included two-way mirrors, ultrasonic cleaning devices, musical instruments, and 3D imaging.
Year 9 Visual Arts students extended their Semester 1 Unit on Vanitas to work with contemporary photographic artist, Ms Janet Tavener and Visual Arts teacher Ms Emily Sinclair. They produced a series of studio photographs influenced by her practice, as they investigated how strobe lighting can be used to capture movement, light and frozen motion.
Year 10 Photomedia students created photographic works based on light painting during a workshop with contemporary photographer, Mr Peter Solness and Ms Carson. Their works were used as projections and were printed and displayed on lightboxes.
Year 10 student, Shan Shan, was among students mentored by Mr Alex Gibson to learn how to use computer software programs to pixel map their own computer drawn artworks. She reflected on her experience, "Working on Lucem Sonos was both challenging and fun. It enabled us to work with others in a small group with lots of freedom. It was appealing to follow our own creative direction and experiment with new technology using light. We had to overcome a number of obstacles during the process but I didn't mind working after school and lunch to ensure it was a success. Overall, I would definitely like to participate in more exhibitions like this in the future."