The Visual Arts courses at Green School New Zealand are developed to give learners the opportunity to deep dive into creative pursuits with purpose and passion. Learners are introduced to artists who are changing the world with their ideas, using visual arts as a means of expression.

A sustainable approach to art making is at the forefront of the minds of the learners. This can be seen through the upcycling of old canvas frames to make new artworks, by creating ephemeral sculptures in our natural environment with a short lifespan, by approaching a still life unit with research into global food consumption, and by creating artwork in a digital format that can be displayed virtually.

Discovering new ways to produce art, working collaboratively, and learning first-hand from local artists is our Green School way. Students are encouraged to communicate their thoughts and ideas both visually and verbally. Critical thinking and problem-solving are a big part of the creative process. 

Creative Art Course

The Arts courses in the High School at Green School New Zealand have been developed to give learners the opportunity to deep dive into creative pursuits with purpose and passion. Learners are introduced to artists that are changing the world with their ideas, using visual arts as a means of expression. Having a sustainable approach to art making is in the forefront of the minds of the learners. Discovering new ways to produce art, working collaboratively and learning first hand from local artists is our green school way. Students are encouraged to communicate their thoughts and ideas both visually and verbally. Understanding art terminology, the language of Art and Design to express ideas that convey the meanings intended is another area of focus in the Creative Arts course. Critical thinking and problem solving are also a big part of the creative process. 

Art units in Creative Arts

This year the students in Year 12 and 13 explored the world of Environmental/ Ephemeral Art. They design installations in situ at various locations around Taranaki both in forest and coastal areas. The learners used natural materials to create unique artworks. These artworks utilised the natural flora and earthly materials. They were temporary in nature and would return to the earth as the weather erodes the work over time. The works were documented through photographs and located using topographical maps. Some artists the learners took inspiration from included Andy Goldsworthy (USA)  and Christo and Jean Claude (France) and Rueben Patterson (NZ).

In Term 2 and 3, our students were introduced to the concept of Art Activism. Art Activism is a way of communicating new perspectives, questioning the status quo, speaking out about beliefs, and inspiring others to take action. This is exactly the type of artists we want to develop at Green School, learners advocating for what they believe in. The learners took inspiration from french artist JR. His tedtalk asks the question ‘Can Art Change the world?’ JR used his photography to bring cultures who are in conflict together, he was able to give prisoners in some of the tightest security prisons a voice through his imagery. His artwork installations have featured around the world, helping to open hearts and minds.

Our learners explored personal ideas they wanted to share in their art pieces. Using design development in their sketchbooks. Each student artwork is distinctively different, they have taken inspiration from global artists sharing messages about environmental, social and political issues. 

Final Exhibition

In Term 4, our High School learners will be putting together a final group art exhibition showcasing the finished art pieces from their time at Green School. Each learner will put together a curatorial statement expressing their intentions in the artworks shown. Our Green School community will be invited to celebrate their artistic learning journey in Creative Arts. The audience will have the opportunity to speak in person with each artist to learn more about their ideas and artistic techniques and processes.