Year 7 Art Gallery Visits: A Creative Journey

Last week, our Year 7 classes visited the Dunedin Public Art Gallery in the Octagon. Each class attended separately, enjoying a guided tour and lesson with a gallery educator. The visit was closely linked to our current study of the Industrial Revolution.

Whilst there, students explored a selection of paintings, including works by L.S. Lowry, known for his distinctive matchstick figures. Another artwork provided an opportunity for a volunteer to dress as a French noblewoman, helping students imagine life in a bygone era and adding an engaging, hands-on element to the visit.

Students also examined a large waterfall painting, searching for clues to identify the New Zealand landscape depicted and discovering hidden details within the artwork. They further explored a series of sculptures inspired by hearth fires and Māori traditions of movement and settlement, discussing the stories and meanings behind them.

Following the gallery tour, students created their own artworks. Using kōwhaiwhai stencils, they painted black designs onto vivid red backgrounds before adding intricate details with metallic pens and coloured pencils. Their work was then cut into shapes such as flames and mountains and arranged on black backing to striking effect. The opportunity to use glue guns and paint dryers was particularly popular, and students demonstrated considerable creativity, skill, and attention to detail throughout the process.

We thank our guide, Rachel, for sharing her knowledge and expertise and the various parents who generously gave their time to accompany the classes to and from the gallery and assist with supervision. The visit certainly provided a valuable opportunity for our students to engage with art, history, and culture beyond the classroom.

Andrew Duncan