The annual Fine Art@Hale exhibition is always a highly anticipated event on the Hale School calendar and this year is no different. The Exhibition showcases the work of a host of emerging and established Western Australian artists across the creative mediums of painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, glass, ceramics and jewellery.
Exhibiting for the first time in 2023 is Hale School Head of Art, Nick Poole. Poole has submitted two pieces to the exhibition, one is a floral still life and the other, an urban art inspired recreation of the Mona Lisa. Both works investigate colour and expressive mark making to create mood and energy.
Of his art, Poole said ‘I’m always creating art in different ways but after a difficult year and some consideration for what’s important in life, I decided to put some effort into presenting these works for others to see. Everlong, a floral still life, is an expressionist oil painting. I aimed to capture a range of emotions from optimism and hopeful longing to a sense of loss and reflection. The subject of a vase of flowers, is symbolic of the richness of natural beauty and life, in a moment of time’.
Also featuring work in the Exhibition is Old Haleian, Leon Pericles (1966), who was recently announced Member of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours for his exceptional contribution to the visual arts and printmaking in Western Australia.
Pericles is one of Hale School’s pre-eminent visual arts alumni and has exhibited in every show since the first Fine Art@Hale exhibition in 1993.
‘I always enjoy participating in the Fine Art@Hale Exhibition. Hale School embraced and encouraged the arts in its curriculum when I attended. My experience with Robert Juniper and other mentors for art and music appreciation certainly contributed to my path and it gave an arts foundation for all students not just those interested in the arts.’
Pericles will attend the Opening Night of the Exhibition as a special guest. A Pericles installation commissioned by Hale School will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the event.
The Fine Art@Hale Exhibition opens on Friday 21 July, ticket to the Opening Night event are available through https://www.fineartathale.org/ . The exhibition continues over the weekend of 22 and 23 July.
