Ms Amy Khoo, Vice-Principal, Arts

To the Visual Arts Class of 2021,

The title of this year’s showcase, “Plus/Minus ±”, is an apt choice as you cross the midway mark of your IB journey. 

By now, each of you would have identified a theme that resonates with you, and which you will explore over these two years. For some, this will evoke nostalgic memories of your childhood, others will find yourselves holding up a metaphorical mirror to reflect deeply about culture and identity, and some of you will dive deep into issues of impact that affect our world at large.

COVID-19 has brought about unprecedented change on all fronts including how we conceptualise, create and celebrate artmaking. Indeed, much has changed since the curatorial team was first formed in February to conceptualise and plan this milestone showcase. Yet I hope that each of you has been able to delve deeper into exploring these complex themes, and experimenting with your artmaking. 

As we reflect on the year that has passed, I hope that on balance, you will find more pluses than there were minuses, and the growth you experienced this year both as an individual and artist will spur you on to the finishing line.

My heartiest congratulations to the class of 2021 on the launch of this year’s Year 5 Visual Arts Showcase, “Plus Minus ±”! 

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Ms Lim Boon Eng, Head, Faculty of Visual Arts

Dear Visual Arts Class of 2021,

What does artmaking mean to a Visual Arts student in these fast-changing times, particularly during a pandemic?

I believe I found the answers to this question by looking through your amazing works. From issues dealing with the individual, family, cultural, social and global contexts, you have once again impressed us with your connectedness to the world so full of unpredictabilities. Your hard work on exploring ideas, experimenting with mediums and developing the artmaking processes have paid off with the thought-provoking works created. 

Having undergone five years of the Visual Arts programme in SOTA, you all have demonstrated tenacity and creativity by embracing and negotiating change and uncertainty. I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to the student committee who has made this impressive showcase possible, the art mentors for their nurturing mentorship and the Year 5 Arts Mentors for their leadership.

Just as how the ‘+’ symbol (positive) is placed above the ‘-’ symbol (negative) in your showcase theme, “Plus/Minus ±”, I hope you all will remain positive towards a world full of risks and be the inspiration for your juniors in the post-COVID era. On behalf of VA Faculty, many congratulations on your artistic achievement!