Students display artistic prowess

MASTERPIECES created by Granite Belt students took pride of place alongside work by Pablo Picasso at the Stanthorpe Art Gallery.

The region's budding artists were recognised during the Crisps Coaches Schools Art Expo awards on Friday night.

Crisps Coaches Art Expo judge Anne Lindsay said art was a reflection of society and the influences of modern society shone through the artwork.

"I think more then ever before, this year the students' work has reflected influences in society, be it the computer age, high technology or popular culture," she said.

"Art gives the children an ability to express these influences and it has certainly shown this year."

Ms Lindsay said while popular influences were obvious in the exhibition the pieces still displayed each artist's uniqueness.

"This year the works were very diverse in subject matter, in colour, in design and certainly exhibited a great deal of individuality," she said.

"The exhibition is a credit to the teachers and parents who support each student's creative desire."

Major award winner Georgia DePercy said her piece 'Georgie Boy' tried to encompass colour and what colour could symbolise.

"The bright colours contrast with the black and white face and contradict with the boy's expression," she said.

"I was influenced by a number of different artists and their concepts were what I was looking at."

Miss DePercy said her work which combined painting and stencilling techniques took a while to research, but once the canvas was prepared it was completed in a couple of days.