Students impress in Holy Name Convent virtual art exhibit

By Lara Pickford-Gordon
Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org
Twitter: @gordon_lp

There is a lot of talent on display at the Holy Name Convent (HNC) virtual art exhibit Rebirth, which was launched on the school’s Facebook page and website Friday, October 24.  It was a welcome return to the annual display of students’ artwork after a two-year hiatus.

The Form Five, Lower and Upper Six students present an array of impressions and styles. Some pieces are mixed media such as Asia-Marie De Freitas’ ‘Bottle Carp’, and Mellisha Rahamut’s ‘Woodland Creatures’.

The students draw on myths, social issues, the impact of history and more in the exhibit. Some examples, Nadia Felix’s ‘Amaterasu’, Samantha Westfield’s ‘Different Gene’, Eva Barcant ‘Climate Concerns’, Marishel Lochan ‘A change in course’.

Viewers get a glimpse of the artistic journey and insight into the artists themselves as they explain their work. The public can access the virtual gallery at: The Holy Name Convent website www.hncpos.edu.tt or Facebook page Holy Name Convent POS.

The Catholic News was given the rationale for the theme. It captures a time of revival and regeneration. As the society adjusts to new ways of thinking and approaching everyday life, the theme “is intended to capture the hopeful tenor of this moment and the much-needed escapism that visual arts can provide”.

Speaking at the launch art teacher Irenee Shaw-Cozier said the annual art exhibit was part of the “heartbeat” of HNC, which has a strong art tradition.

“It is not only important to our art students but everyone in our community looks forward to be amazed by these pieces that live in our [school] hall for one week every year”. The art, she added was a constant topic of discussion while on display.

Shaw-Cozier said the school faced challenges after the earthquake in 2018 and now COVID-19. “Current senior art students have been very disappointed by not having an exhibit last year.” She said they looked forward to the exhibit all through their Lower VI school life.

Shaw-Cozier said the school could not let this happen again. With the COVID-19 pandemic the exhibit is being held virtually. “We are back perhaps not in the usual way, but no-one can accuse Holy Name of being inflexible. We are creative, innovative and we will always be here for our students,” she said.

She commended art teachers Maria Elena Joseph de Peña and Shannon Alonzo, a former art student who held on for Joseph de Peña when she was on maternity leave. “They were talented, hardworking and full of enthusiasm,” she said. Form One art teacher Dawn Berment was also praised.

Alonzo said in the past two months it was a privilege to teach the students and see their resilience. “Despite challenging times these young women have continued to produce stellar artwork consistently pushing themselves to delve deeper creatively.”

The online exhibit allows viewers to browse the “incredible work” of the students and to explore their motivations through the artists’ statements. “Be sure to click on the individual artwork so that you can get a more in-depth description of the thought processes behind it,” Alonzo said.

Addressing the launch was Ag Principal Lisette Khan and Ag Vice-Principal Sr Renee Hall OP gave the welcome.

On October 30, HNC launched its second virtual art gallery, the fundraising Art is Life 2, featuring the work of HNC students, alumni, emerging artists, established local and overseas-based artists.

It can be viewed on the Shop Caribe website www.shopcaribe.com and the HNC website.