Past forward: Xanthe selected for Te Uru Art Award
Congratulations to Xanthe Andzue (Year 13), who has been selected as a finalist in the Te Uru Secondary Art Award, a prestigious competition celebrating outstanding artistic talent from West Auckland secondary schools.
Xanthe's artwork is currently on display at Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery in Titirangi as part of the finalists' exhibition, which officially opened last Saturday. The competition invites each West Auckland high school to nominate an artwork by one of its top Year 13 Art students, with the selected works exhibited at Te Uru Gallery, giving young artists the opportunity to showcase their creativity in a professional gallery setting.
Xanthe says she was delighted to be recognised for something you enjoys so much. "To me, art is a form of expression. It doesn't have to be perfect and there's no 'right' way to do it. As long as it means something to you, it's worth the effort of making it. Freedom like that makes art fun."
Her finalist paintings explore themes of identity, memory and personal growth.
"My paintings explore the experience of growing up and how identity is shaped through memories and experiences. The older and younger versions of myself represent different stages of my life, while the clock symbolises a pause in time."
As she approaches the end of her secondary school journey, Xanthe says the work reflects many of the thoughts and emotions that come with this important stage of life.
"Being in Year 13 has me thinking about the future and feeling anxious about growing up. I wanted my paintings to put a positive spin on that, to be a reminder that growing up is not about leaving the past behind, but carrying it with us as we continue to grow."
This year's award is judged by acclaimed artist and Head of School at Te Waka Tūhura Elam School of Fine Arts and Design, University of Auckland, Fiona Jack.
From the exhibition finalists, one overall winner will be selected and awarded a $1,000 prize, supported by the Lopdell Trust. All finalists receive a $100 prize, donated by Gordon Harris, in recognition of their achievement.
The exhibition features artworks across a wide range of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and moving image.
Te Uru Secondary Art Award Exhibition
Dates: 16 November - 1 December 2024
Location: Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road, Titirangi, Auckland
Website: teuru.org.nz
