Year 11 & 12 art students stepped into a Parisian art adventure on the 25th of July. India Mahdavi, a designer who lives near the Musée d’Orsay, Paris collaborated to bring this world premier exhibition of Pierre Bonnard’s work from her local Paris galley to Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria. She curated one hundred masterpieces from one of the greatest 20th century artists, with the intention of turning part of the National Gallery of Victoria, into “her home”. Go and see for yourself what a grand designer interior this is! Art teacher Mrs Bryan with student teacher Miss Hawken accompanied Shadai, Kacey, Ethan, Gracie, Jeeya, Trinity, Charlotte, Suhani, Khein and Fiona, through the artwork displayed within this sensory wonderland. Feeling as though they were exploring an upscale dolls house, the students were not only experiencing and analysing Bonnard’s art but also the art of curation, right down to Mahdavi’s bespoke gallery furniture, ($3.000 a stool in the NGV shop).

The NGV educator presented a pre-visit talk for students to complete their Art Making and Exhibiting VCE assessed coursework. In stark contrast, the students visited Monash University in the morning, where the minimalist white walls and label-free exhibition Thin Skin, was enjoyed by all. MUMA staff provided their ‘Behind the Scenes’ talk, where chemistry meets art, as they described the intricacies of how art is transported (even waterproof crates!) stored and displayed. The day was fantastic, thanks to Russell our bus driver and all the staff catering to our student's arts industry education, at both galleries.

The biggest thanks go to the extremely well-mannered VCE students who listened attentively, took notes and engaged insightfully with questions and observations. This excursion’s sensory explosion of colour and design will help inspire the student’s own artwork, which will be exhibited later in the year.

- Mrs Linda Bryan