ISS students’ creative flair on display in exhibition |26 June 2023

ISS Principal Elodie Vallantine

The creativity and artistic talents of students from the International School Seychelles can be viewed through an exhibition at the Kenwyn House Gallery in Victoria.

The exhibition’s vernissage took place on Saturday afternoon in the presence of the school’s Board of Governors, the school’s principal and other staff, as well as representatives of Gran Kaz.

The pieces of artwork have been produced by students from Year 7 to A Level and according to the school’s Principal, Elodie Vallantine, the students have done an amazing job.

She thanked the art teachers “for making sure our students are passionate about art and are involved in this artistic journey”.

Mrs Vallantine pointed out that an interesting aspect of the exhibition is that it is not showcasing only individual work but collective ones as well.

“We are not just looking at the top students in art at the school but we are looking at every student,” she said.

She said although International School Seychelles (ISS) puts a lot emphasis on exam results, the school also focuses a lot on individual development.

“Although the exams results are important but developing their whole person and making sure we have well-rounded individuals at ISS is our main target as a school,” she stated, adding this achievement could be seen in the beautiful artworks on display.

The school’s head of Art and Performing Arts, Doris Nourrice, said the art pieces on display have been produced throughout the school year and she commended her students for their hard work and devotion towards the subject.

“I have worked at other schools and I can say that ISS is one that puts a lot of emphasis on the students’ artistic development with an art class functioning like any other academic classes. They learn theory and practical and all art terminologies and they sit a theory exam at the end of the school year,” said Ms Nourrice.

She has encouraged them to pursue the subject with as much diligence as they do for the others and said although not all work could be displayed due to limited space, their work were seen and appreciated.

“The work will be displayed at the school as our principal feels they are too beautiful, so we will be exhibiting them at our school to celebrate the students’ accomplishment,” she said.

Her colleague, Beverly Durand, also expressed her pride for the children’s amazing work and praised the art students. “It was fantastic and amazing working with them and they really appreciated art very much, although at times they would say it was difficult. I never touched their papers, I just guided them and these are the results,” said Mrs Durand.

For her part, the Marketing, Public Relations and Communications manager of Gran Kaz, Shama Amesbury, said the launch of the exhibition “was testament to the creativity, dedication and passion that the ISS students possess, and it is truly an honour to bear witness to a sliver of their artistic journey as it unfolds”.

When addressing the guests, Ms Amesbury expressed her gratitude to the faculty and staff who have nurtured and guided the young artists.

“Your unwavering support, expertise and mentorship have played a crucial role in shaping their artistic abilities and nurturing their creative spirits. Your dedication and passion have made this exhibition possible”, added Ms Amesbury.

During the vernissage, one of the students, Armanie Arnephy, who is the school’s head girl and A-Level art student, also shared her poetic side, by reciting a poem titled ‘We are born with art’.

Guests were then able to view the artwork and mingle for an hour.

The exhibition will be on display at the Kenwyn House Gallery for the next two weeks.

Text & photos by Patsy Canaya