The work of eight talented artists from Sydenham High School has been showcased at the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) Art Exhibition, which took place in South East London from 16-19 October.

Celebrated portrait artist Jonathan Yeo gave the opening address at the launch of the exhibition, which displayed nearly 200 works by GCSE and A Level art students from 20 GDST schools across the country.

Along with the Mayor of Lambeth, Cllr Mark Bennett, Mr Yeo visited all the stands and talked to many of the young artists, including Alexandra Terrieux-Taylor and Anya Landolt whose wall-height painting is an exploration of capturing movement.  Anya’s striking painting, called ‘Figure descending a staircase No3’, was her final A Level piece for which she was awarded an A* and 100 marks out of 100.

In developing her piece, Anya went on an important journey of discovery – not just about her subject matter but about her own ability to inspire, motivate and lead others.  As well as examining different representations of movement and how other artists had tackled the problem, Anya began working with a group of year 3 students at Sydenham High Junior School to help them explore the same topic.

The project opened up new possibilities in art to the girls – some of whom had previously said that art was their least favourite subject – and together they created a range of astonishingly mature pieces which then formed a major part of the school’s own art & design technology exhibition – D’Art – in June.

The project was a valuable learning experience for all concerned but particularly for Anya, who is now at Kingston College undertaking an Art Foundation course.

Commenting on her students’ work in the exhibition, Headteacher Kathryn Pullen said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our girls to display their final exam pieces and demonstrate the breadth of talent within the school.  We place a real emphasis on an enriching curriculum and ensuring every girl can achieve her best and discover her strengths – from art to sports or science.  As Anya’s particular example shows, art can be a tremendous way to enrich the experience of others and to discovery valuable life and employment skills.”

The exhibition took place at sister GDST school Streatham & Clapham High.

Photo 1 (left to right): Headteacher Kathryn Pullen; Anya Landolt; Jonathan Yeo and Cllr Mark Bennett, the Mayor of Lambeth, standing beside Anya’s painting at the official opening of the GDST Art exhibition.

Photo 2 – Jonathan Yeo with Alex Terrieux-Taylor