Welcome everyone to the Young Originals online exhibition.

2021 marks the twelfth year of proud hosting of Young Originals by the Western Australian Secondary School Executives’ Association (WASSEA).  Delivered in partnership with the Sangora Education Foundation, Edith Cowan University – School of Arts and Humanities, and the Department of Education, the exhibition celebrates visual arts programs delivered across Western Australian public schools and the talents of our young artists and designers.

The last twelve years have seen Young Originals grow in popularity and prominence, and in the last two years explore new delivery modes.  This year we present a wonderful array of work in an enhanced online interactive format. With a new website ‘look and feel’ and added functionality, Young Originals is both a contemporary online exhibition and a rich repository of resources.

A total of 235 entries were received this year from city and country schools.  This is a real testament to our dedicated visual art teachers who have responded again with enthusiasm to the online format.  As always, our judges were hard pressed to select the finalists with 85 pieces eventually chosen for display. Viewers of the online exhibition can see each piece, enlarge, filter by school and read artist statements as students reflect on their creative intentions and influences.

Once again this year, selected students were asked to discuss their creative process and what it means to them. You’ll find their responses in our short ‘Celebrating Creativity’ video below.

In finishing, I would like to acknowledge the work of the Young Originals organising committee: Cassie Bussell, Karen Lamond and Julie Brown from the Department of Education – Statewide Services; graphic designer/website designer and judging coordinator, Brendan Hibbert; collage artist, Shay Colley; Sue Starcken, ECU Art collection curator, visual arts unit coordinator and lecturer from ECU Mount Lawley; and Donna Franklin, independent artist and educator.

Most importantly, on behalf of WASSEA members and our event partners, I thank all students and teachers who submitted artwork this year and congratulate those whose work was selected for exhibition. Despite ongoing public health challenges, 2021 has yielded works of insight, power, skill, humour and keen observation – which is, of course, the essence of Young Originals.

Armando Giglia
President: WASSEA