YOUNG artists have captured a host of powerful images in a thought-provoking exhibition marking the culmination of years of study.
Themes ranging from subversive feminism to the relationships between humans and animals formed a moving week-long display by sixth formers from Barnard Castle School.
Staged at The Witham, Barnard Castle, the art showcase was enjoyed by a host of staff, family and friends at a special preview night which celebrated the hard work and passion for the subject.
Headmaster David Cresswell said: “All of the work was incredible and it’s amazing to see what lies in the creative depths of students we see every day around school.”
Head of art Kate Baptist added: “I can see the personalities of each student shining through their art and also the true characters of the people who sat for portraits. The exhibition at the Witham has given students an invaluable taste of what it’s like to showcase their work to the public.”
For Eliza Jerrom, of Gainford, art was a chance to capture her family history and also celebrate some of the characters who visit the family pub, the Cross Keys. One piece featured an emotional letter from her granddad written just before he died urging the family not to fear death and promising they would be reunited one day.
“I also looked at rebellious women, who defy and redefine stereotypes which I found particularly empowering,” said the 18-year-old, who hopes to study criminology at Manchester University and eventually work in psychology around reoffending.
Annie Barker’s work took a lighter note capturing smile lines and happy relatives including her father and granny. “I just went crazy with it capturing expression and parody,” said the 18-year-old, of Moulton, who is planning to spend a gap year working in a school in Kenya.
Clara Metcalfe, of Hutton Magna, followed an animal theme testing the relationships between creatures and humans.
“It was designed to show how animals can be exploited, feared and treasured at the same time,” said the 17-year-old, who plans to study psychology at Cardiff or Manchester University.
Emily Tsui’s work transported her back to her home in Hong Kong. “It featured where I was born and brought up, where people like to go and how they travel,” said the 19-year-old, who wants to work in TV and film in Asia after studying the subject at Kingston University, London.
Amy Richardson, 17, of Topcliffe, explored art and literature featuring the likes of Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore the Donkey. “I hope to study media and journalism at Oxford Brooks with a view to work in the media one day,” she said.