The Japan Foundation, Sydney: AUDIO-VISUAL JAPANESE LANGUAGE RESOURCE

Art Speaks Japanese Comes Alive!

The pilot “Art Speaks Japanese Comes Alive!” Contest was held over a week from the 10th – 14th of November. Schools submitted works inspired by artworks in the Japan Foundation’s resource “Art Speaks Japanese”

We would like to sincerely thank all the students and teachers who devoted so much time and effort to their works. The display in our gallery looked great! We would also like to thank Anne MacArthur and Leeanne Carr of the NSW Art Gallery for coming in and judging the contest.

Entries showed a wide range of skills in a number of areas including musical composition and audio production, video production, textiles, visual arts and photography. Due to the outstanding level of skill and creativity across the board, our judges found it very difficult to reach a final decision.

Here is a list of the winners:

1st Prize, Senior Division
“Natsu”
Created by Emily Dawson, Joanna Chen, Kylie Zhang, Irene Chork, Letisia Sin, Janet Mao, Alice Wu, Charmaine Lo, Millie Zhang, Yoru Lee, Irene Zhen, Connie Chen and Grace Chan.
The video is of a summer fashion parade and interview show that resembles what might be seen on popular television in Japan. Not only was the video excellent but all of the clothing paraded was handmade.

1st Prize - Middle Years’ Division
“Kimono of Seasons”
Created by Alyce Chau, Amanda Chai, Vivian Cheung, Kenna Tso, Ginny Wong, and Carrie Zhang.
Comprised of a hand made “sensu” or fan on which an explanation of their work is printed, surrounded by 8 hand-made mini kimonos with individual haiku relating to each season on the back.

Special Mention: Senior Division
“Colours“
Created by Eva Zhang, Catherine Nguyen, Angela Shen, Tsing Lee, Sherry Du Yang, and Monica Luo.
A visual arts montage of various colours, each photograph representing human emotions, with cultural items of both Japanese and non Japanese origin.

Special Mention: Middle Years’ Division
“What is Japan?”
Created by Hannie Hyun, Esther Lee, Rolanda Kim, Christina Lee, Hannah Lee, Susan Lee. A fantastic patchwork Kimono, sewn together with hand painted textiles denoting the four seasons in Japan.