Matilda, aged 17
Wire, wood, pen on paper and printed media
What stood out to me in Vincent van Gogh51²è¹Ý¶ù painting was the exploration of mental health and cultural influences. Van Gogh was deeply inspired by Japanese art, which led me to explore this in my own work.
I chose to sculpt a Japanese farmer out of wire, to acknowledge the ongoing motif that appears in some of Van Gogh51²è¹Ý¶ù pieces. I combined the elements of the koi fish, which represents perseverance and strength, qualities associated with Japanese tradition, and Van Gogh51²è¹Ý¶ù personal struggles. The first-aid kit symbolises the struggle around mental health and healing, represented by Van Gogh51²è¹Ý¶ù bandaged ear.
The digital camera reflects the evolution of how we capture and share our emotions through art,
highlighting the transformation of society and role of technology in art today.