Welcome to Sevenoaks School ’ s IB Art Exhibition 2023
Reflections on the Art department
The Sevenoaks Art department was my home away from home when I was at school , as I ’ m sure it is for many students today . I certainly spent many hours within those paint-covered walls .
Many lessons were learned there , but I believe the most significant was beginning to understand the potential of art and creativity as a tool for change . For my final IB project I explored the theme of the male gaze through art history and into popular culture , prompting me to ask some of my first questions about feminism , sexuality and gender politics . The work was mixed media , teaching me to communicate through paint , photography and video . My wonderful teachers supported me through it all , never once discouraging my challenging questions or questionable methods .
This belief in my work and ideas powered me through my Art History degree and into a career that I never even imagined at 17 . I now work as a Creative Lead at a social impact communications agency , creating campaigns for charities , NGOs and grassroots causes . This involves researching , having big ideas , art directing designs and writing and directing videos – all skills that I developed in the Sevenoaks Art department . But beyond that , I have the opportunity to use my creativity for change every day . The best part of my job is working with women ’ s and LGBTQ + rights organisations , creatively channelling the passion for feminism and freedom that I was encouraged to start exploring for my IB ten years ago .
Zoë Dawson ( OS 2014 ) Creative Lead at Shape History