ACU School of Arts and Sciences Award for 'Loud Whisper'

Congratulations to Class of 2018 graduate, Aysel, on her receipt of one of three 'ACU School of Arts and Sciences Awards' for her HSC Body of Work, 'Loud Whisper'.

On Friday 15 March, Ms Maryanne Sozou, Visual Arts Coordinator, Ms Maria Lavermicocca, Visual Arts teacher and myself had the pleasure of attending the Opening and Awards night for the 2019 Clancy Prize and Religious Art Exhibition for Sydney Catholic Schools with Aysel, Class of 2018 graduate, who exhibited at the Exhibition.

Aysel submitted her 2018 HSC Body of Work, “Loud Whisper”.

The theme for the Clancy Prize this year was “A little mercy makes the world less cold and more just” - Pope Francis.

Students’ artworks were to respond to this theme and there was to be a clear and explicit link between the artist’s statement and the submitted work.

Aysel was awarded one of three 'ACU School of Arts and Sciences Awards' for her work.

Aysel's artist’s statement about her artwork was as follows:

My body of work, ‘Loud Whisper’, explores cultural discrimination evident in society and the development of stereotypes as one progresses from childhood to adulthood. Through the use of photography, I am able to capture the innocence and vulnerability of the children, and the uncomfortable tension between the two women. I aim to ignite deep reflection around the impact of negative and discriminative ‘whispers’ which ultimately lead to substantial cultural prejudice due to one’s diverse background. Through my photographs, I encourage my audience to show compassion, kindness, acceptance and mercy, to make the world more just for all.

The exhibition was hosted by ACU at the McGlade Gallery, Strathfield Campus from 15 March to 29 March 2019.

Below are two photographs: the first one is of the artwork as it is to be viewed, in horizontal layout - this depicts the tension between the two women, which Aysel refers to in her artist’s statement; the second one is of Aysel, Ms Sozou and myself after Aysel received her award.

We congratulate Aysel on her achievement.

You can read more about the Prize in About Catholic Schools magazine here.