14 Feb 2020
Exploring Culture Through Art
Explosions of colour, intricate brush strokes, wool wrapped art sticks and collaborative pieces made for an exceptional ‘Acknowledging Country’ Art Exhibition by Bonython Primary School students.
More than 950 people visited the exhibition which was held at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre during September 2019.
However, even more exceptional was the learning journey that led to the exhibition.
“Our focus is on creating confident, capable, creative, courageous inquirers – placing students at the centre of their learning. The ‘Acknowledging Country’ Art Exhibition is one example of learning that is relevant and authentic,” said Karen Wilson, Visual Arts Specialist Teacher at Bonython Primary School.
“Students created artwork to respond to the questions they had about the land and people’s connection to it. The central concept was to develop student understanding and acknowledgement of the land upon which they learn, play, walk and wonder.
“Each piece embraces the diversity of student thinking and experiences while connecting to new perspectives and deeper understanding gained throughout the inquiry,” said Karen.
Year 5 student, Ella explained the inspiration for her artwork.
“What the country is, what it means to you and to Aboriginal people so the colours that represent something like it may be the desert of Australia or the night sky or the oceans or the beach.”
The students also learnt about National Sorry Day through their inquiry and how it connects to them.
“Just because it was a long time ago, doesn’t mean it’s not too late to say sorry,” said Ella
“So that when we’re older and we do something that we really regret we can have the courage to go up to them and say look I really didn’t mean that, I hope you’re okay and I’m really sorry.”
Year 6 student Asher said he’s learnt a lot through the inquiry.
“It’s important because then we can know about their past and how to protect the future,” Asher said.