Students’ art a look at the future to celebrate the past

What will Prospect look like in 2172?

That’s the question students from Blackfriars, Prospect Primary and Rosary School have answered in art as part of a new exhibition opening next week.

Blackfriars students Vincent Nguyen (Year 6) and Henry Frith (Year 5) will MC the opening of the exhibition – Prospect 2172 – on Friday 13 May, at Prospect Council’s Newmarch Gallery.

More than 100 pieces of art by students from the three schools, including Vincent and Henry, will be on display as part of the show, now in its third year.

The 2172 theme was chosen to mark Prospect Council’s sesquicentenary.

The council’s Youth & Live Music Coordinator, Mark Crabtree, said Prospect 2172 was a futuristic and thought-provoking exhibition that “provided young artists with an opportunity to ponder the future and consider where Prospect will be in 150 years”.

“Think flying cars, robots, rocket ships and futuristic architecture,” Mr Crabtree said.

Prospect Mayor David O’Loughlin (BPS’82), also the Chair of the Blackfriars Board, this week met with Vincent and Henry to discuss the exhibition and their roles at the official opening.

“The council this year is 150 years old, so we thought we would ask you guys to have a think about 150 years into the future,” said Mr O’Loughlin, who is helping the boys prepare their speeches. “You’ve got an important job.”

While admitting to some nerves ahead of their MC duties – and some trepidation at the pronunciation of “sesquicentenary” – Vincent and Henry were pleased to be part of the official opening and the exhibition as a whole.

“I feel very excited,” said Vincent, who has “been crowded by people looking at my art” during a previous exhibition.

Blackfriars Education Support Officer Emma Askem submitted nearly 50 pieces of art by students in Reception to Year 6.

Different year levels focussed on specific themes under the Prospect 2172 banner – from printed robots with recycled and reused materials, to self portraits (“lots of glittery clothing and crazy hair”), to clay time machines.

Ms Askem said creating and submitting such a large amount of work would not have been possible without the assistance of Maureen Zandona and Jez Bonig, as well as George Elmassih from the secondary art department.

“He made all of the labels and frames for me, which was a huge help, and he was a fountain of knowledge,” she said.

Prospect 2172 will be at Newmarch Gallery, Payinthi, 128 Prospect Road, Prospect, until Sunday 12 June. See newmarchgallery.com.au