I am an aspiring artist who is passionate about watercolour art.
NEWSFLASH took place from 1st October to 8th November 2025 and is the collaborative exhibition showcasing a range of artwork from young people, namely: Abdullahi Ibrahim, Beatrix F, Dalila L, Ewan O, Marina P, Merlin Summers, Millie Butler and Silvie P.
Although I was not able to attend all sessions, I am very grateful to be given a platform to showcase my artwork in relation to the theme of Social Justice, Sustainability and identity. Such platforms for young people are quasi non-existent locally.
Working alongside leading artists such as Nicole Morris, Annie McGill and Phoebe Wagner to explore this theme was a vital part of the planning process for this exhibition.
The artwork ranged from co-created collages to individual practices enabling all artists to showcase various art forms including collages, film and paintings. As such this was for me a rich and varied display given the small space. I personally feel the banner display is a very innovative way to also protest in art form, temporarily for the duration of this exhibition, giving a voice to people who are not heard.
The exhibition space although not huge was cosy and yet felt also spacious as there was a lot of room to move around. Anybody could write a note and join in the protest and pretty much add any other pressing current issues or just confirm the issues picked up are indeed pressing.
The exhibition was turned into a place to reflect on how some people are less fortunate and face war, or are marginalised or disadvantaged around the work and not able to voice it or do anything about it. The list of pressing issues ranged from stopping wars abroad to having a free education and a better environment locally. However all these issues came together to give a voice to people who may not be able to be heard and issues that are not being addressed promptly. In my opinion, that was a focal point for NEWSFLASH.
We demand, us young people, to be heard and NEWSFLASH just voiced our many demands and this is the starting point. However would these demands be heard? Would people take action to change this world into a better place for the next generations? What can we do everyday to turn these demands into realities?
NEWSFLASH was an overall good experience and yes I would love to take part again. This exhibition allowed me to develop my practice and share my thoughts alongside other young people to speak, through our art, about issues that are current and relevant to us as a group but also individually.
Share:
