YOUNG East London artists fared well at the 47th World School Children’s Art Exhibition held in Taiwan this year, receiving one gold, two silvers, a bronze and 24 selections.
Thousands of entries were submitted from 39 countries around the world to be judged in China. Schools including Cambridge Primary, Clarendon Preparatory, George Randell Primary, Stirling Primary, Lilyfontein, Sharon’s Art School and Tsogo Sun Arts Academy were invited to send in entries earlier this year. Grade 1 pupil Lutho Nqabeni, 7, of Cambridge Primary, brought home gold with his painting depicting the terrifying giant from Jack and the Beanstalk carrying him in a beautifully colourful artwork.
He was beaming with joy alongside the head of foundation phase at Cambridge Primary, Cheryl Kent, who praised him for his creativity.
“Lutho received the highest award at a World Children’s Art exhibition, alongside only 20 others from around the world. He was also selected for the Santam Child Art Exhibition for another one of his artworks this year,” Kent sent.
Sharon’s Art School head, Sharon Mallinson, said it was his use of space, composition, colour and the facial expressions of characters in the picture that helped him do so well in the competition. “It’s a funny drawing and it tells a story and that’s what makes it so special,” Mallinson said.
Stirling Primary pupils Mitchell Steytler and Tayla Kruuse, both in Grade 1, received silver awards and Kakuhle Tungata (Grade 4) received a bronze award.
Steytler’s picture showed “Supermom” protecting the world from an evil snowman, who wanted to turn buildings into snow. Kruuse depicted a scene from a family reunion in celebration of her grandmother’s 67th birthday. Tungata’s drawing showed a happy picture of city life in South Africa.
Other artists whose work was selected for the exhibition were: Sarah Drinkrow, Josie O’Kennedy, Sisipho Silwana, Ogi Mbude, Jabulile Shabangu, Kuzingca Mgugudo, Enkosi Nduli, Xaria Lackay, Chevy-Lea Holloway, Saige Marcus, Cody Bothma, Alatha Yanxa, Kamva Mashalaba, Asakhe Maholowana, Tayle Thompson, Andrea Knox, Adam Barnard, Tiny Majambe, Mikayla Viljoen, Keandra Klarsen, Keagan Meise, Thanza Majola, Takawira Mciteka and Jenna Botha.
Stirling Primary art teacher Yolanda Birch said: “It brings great exposure for the kids who are so excited to have their artwork entered into an international competition”.
Mallinson said:“Not all children are academically strong or gifted in sport.
“Art is their main strength and this competition allows them to get recognised and builds their confidence. We as teachers must help children find their strengths,” she said.
