Royal Academy success for young artists

Published on isbi School News dated Monday 18th of June 2012

Ryan Clifford and Guneet Kalsi, seventeen year old Sixth Form Art students at St Benedict's School in Ealing, have had their work chosen for the prestigious annual Royal Academy of Arts A-level Summer Exhibition Online. Over 1,450 submissions were received from the best art students across the UK and the short-listing panel commented on the high quality of work that was submitted. Head of Art Rod Pereira was thrilled with this outcome. 'Only 45 pieces of artwork made the final cut and to have two students from St Benedict's selected is fantastic.'

Ryan Clifford's work is titled 'Visual Intrigue.' In his own words: 'This work explores how one's individual perception of the world can define personal identity. The same colours, shapes and lines are used in two paintings to create two different interpretations; a landscape becomes a guitar, or a guitar becomes a landscape. My inspiration was Gary Hume and his use of visual ambiguity and Man Ray.'

Guneet Kalsi titled his work 'Built Environment.' 'This work explores linear planes and solid form within the urban environment and juxtaposes furniture with architecture interlocking house hold materials with those normally associated with harsh environments. The work of the minimalist Donald Judd has inspired me through his use of geometric form realized in industrial materials, which experiment with shape and form to create repetition.'

Ryan is keeping his options open regarding further study. Guneet is determined to become an architect. Both students hope this success will be a springboard to greater achievements in the future.

Visit http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/learning/students-and-teachers/a-level-summer-exhibition-online/a-level-summer-exhibition-online-2012/2012-exhibition,16,GAL.html
to see Ryan's and Guneet's work in the exhibition.