A painting by a talented Grade 12 learner at Edgemead High School titled The First Break, which was shared on the school’s social media pages last week, unlocked several positive comments about the artwork, artist and art teacher. The painting depicts a group of learners in uniform during first break and was painted by the young artist, Wing Yi Liang.
TygerBurger reached out to the young artist, to find out more about her work.
She told the newspaper that her journey with painting started during Grade 10, when she received formal instruction in visual art for the first time.
“In that same year, I discovered my knack for painting during a class experiment. Encouraged by my art teacher, I delved into my first major project, titled Yuzuru Hanyu, inspired by the renowned ice-skater whom I deeply admire. This artwork captured a moment of his graceful dance that had left a lasting impression on me.
“As I progressed to Grade 11, my confidence grew, and my painting skills flourished. A highlight of this period was my participation in the Stellenbosch Art Eisteddfod, where I showcased my canvas painting titled The Tap of My Life during term two. This piece, sparked by a simple observation of water flowing from a tap, evolved into a reflection on the passage of time. Clocks representing different life stages adorned the canvas, alongside flowers symbolising varied emotions and memories, eventually transitioning into butterflies signifying eternal life,” she explains.
Different techniques
In the same term, Wing Yi ventured into colour pencil technique, inspired by the works of the esteemed South African artist Irma Stern.
“This marked my first attempt at mastering another artist’s style, enriching my artistic journey with new perspectives and ideas. My artwork paid homage to Stern’s creations, integrating African elements such as traditional clothing and the iconic Strelitzia reginae (crane flower), even experimenting with coffee as a medium for the first time.
“Over the years, I have created numerous meaningful artworks that reflect my growth and experimentation with various mediums. One notable piece is The Start of Our Friendship, inspired by my bond with my best friend Natasha Sardinha. It marked my first foray into oil pastel portraiture in 2022. Additionally, Mirror stands out as my first charcoal drawing, completed last year, a self-portrait. Another milestone was my exploration of linear perspective in interior design artwork, titled My Bathtub, depicting an ideal bathtub setting. Furthermore, in 2022, I ventured into clay sculpture, crafting seven imaginative characters that captured my creativity and imagination,” Wing Yi says.
Latest artwork
Her piece for this year (Grade 12, term 1), titled The First Break, delves into the theme of ritual and holds personal significance.
“Inspired by the daily routine of school life, particularly the moment the bell rang for first break duty as a prefect, it reflects the irony of a ‘first break’ devoid of rest. Observing fellow students during these breaks became a ritual of sorts, offering insights into their lives and shaping my own experiences. The nearly A1-sized artwork invites viewers to step into my shoes and witness my perspective on this recurring aspect of my life’s narrative,” Wing Yi says.
