Student takes out top prize for surrealist art work

Narrabri High School student Helena McLean has won the University of New England (UNE) Schools Acquisitive Art Prize in the senior Year 10-12 category.

The year 10 student’s Surrealist style artwork ‘God shall Smite the Liars’ will be added to the UNE art collection as part of the Let’s Hang It! exhibition as part of four category winners’ work displayed around the Armidale University Campus.

“When I found out I won I couldn’t believe it at first, my mum was crying with joy, I was a little upset that I wouldn’t get my painting back,” said Miss McLean.

The exhibition which has been running for 20 years, was established in 2004 by the Faculty of Education (formerly the Faculty of Professions) at UNE to promote interest in the visual arts and encourage talented young artists in regional New South Wales schools.

This year more than 500 artworks from 50 schools in the region were submitted to the award and finalists across four categories – infants, primary, junior secondary and senior secondary were chosen.

Inspired by the disturbing surrealism of The Black Paintings, a group of 14 paintings by celebrated artist Francisco Goya, Miss McLean worked hard to create an original piece that didn’t shy away from exploring darker concepts and colour palettes.

“I try my best to make my art look original and offer something that isn’t seen often,” said Miss McLean.

“I use darker colours and darker concepts for my art to keep it separate from the crowd.

“I worked hard on that painting, I’m glad that others appreciate my weird and wacky painting.”

While it is not her first experience with submitting artwork for competition, this is the first time that Miss McLean has won an award for her art.

“When I was younger, I tried my hand at art competitions, unfortunately, my art would never win awards or be recognised, so the fact that I was awarded first place in my age group for such a big competition blows my mind,” said Miss McLean.

“I had no idea about the competition at first, but my art teacher asked if it would be okay to enter it. I agreed but I had no idea how big of a competition it would be.”

Along with her first-place recognition, Helena will also receive $300 in prize money.

With the encouragement of her mother to follow her passion, Miss McLean started her passion for painting and drawing from a young age.

“Overall, art is a big part of my life and I’m glad so many people like my art and it’s really good to know that if I continue art people will be looking for my pieces.”

While there are certainly more introspective and brilliant pieces to come in her future, Miss McLean is also considering a career as an entomologist when she leaves school.

“I have a deep passion for bugs, I think they are wonderful and weird.”

“I don’t have many plans for the future due to not wanting to look too far ahead, I’d rather stay in the moment and let life guide my way.”