We were absolutely blown away by the diverse talent our HSC kids delivered in their final visual arts submissions for 2023. Our own children’s faces were alight with admiration and wonder as we explored MAC’s annual exhibition shining the light on the class of 2023.
Getting to MAC
If you haven’t been to the MAC (Museum of Art & Culture) Lake Macquarie, now’s the time, and it’s super easy to get to. Located at the end of First Street in Booragul, it’s central to both West and East Lake Macquarie. There’s a designated car park, and full facilities inside the museum.
First Class 23
First Class, at the MAC, has been held each year since 2009. This exhibition allows HSC students the opportunity to showcase their work in a proper gallery. Artworks are selected from submissions produced in 2023, with a focus on a diversity of media and techniques that represent the wide scope of the HSC Visual Arts syllabus in NSW. The students are amazing storytellers. Every exhibit is unique with personal experience and expression of the contemporary issues they face.
Contemporary creativity
FIRST CLASS 23 IS A MEASURE OF THE CURRENT ZEITGEIST THEY ARE EXPERIENCING. THERE IS COMMENTARY ON GENDER, IDENTITY, THE FRAGILITY OF LIFE AND THE STRENGTH OF WORKS EXPLORE PERSONAL CONNECTIONS TO PLAY AND PEOPLE, REFLECTING THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS. OTHER WORKS SEARCH FOR MEANING WHEN THESE CONNECTIONS CHANGE. THEMES OF NATURE AND CLIMATE, MEMORY AND LOVE, CHAOS AND HUMOUR ARE ALL SPOKEN THROUGH A PERSONAL LENS AND DELIVERED THROUGH THE VEHICLE OF VISUAL LANGUAGE – MAC
Cafe or picnic
I highly recommend you stop by the Cafe for an amazing toasty and iced chocolate. Tried and tested with a double thumbs up from the kids. Just make sure you book a table. Or maybe pack a picnic and bring a big rug, and enjoy the sculpture park on the grass. You can always grab a takeaway coffee to enjoy.
I think one of the most profound moments during our visit was watching our 12 and 14-year-olds stop, read, and immerse themselves in the works. Maybe it was the realisation that in just a few years, they could see themselves here. A snippet into the life of an HSC student and what they can accomplish will inspire many budding creatives in our community. Visual Arts sure is a beautiful and impactful outlet, that spreads sunshine far and wide.
This exhibition finishes on the Sunday 7th April 2024, so plan your trip soon.
