On Tuesday 9th February, Upper Sixth student Grace Pollock took part in the London and South East regional heat of the prestigious ARTiculation Prize, a national public speaking competition run by the Roche Court Educational Trust and the University of Cambridge.
The competition gives students the opportunity to present an original talk on a work of art, architecture or an artefact. The competition usually takes place at an established London gallery, but this year the ARTiculation team bravely decided to hold the competition online, hosted by the arts charity Creative Folkstone.
Grace gave an outstanding talk on the installation, Clinamen, by French contemporary artist Céleste Boursier Mougenot. She spoke eloquently about the artist’s exploration of control and chance, and the aesthetic possibilities that can emerge when these dualities are brought together. The adjudicator for the competition, the Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury, commended Grace on her meticulous research and her ability to convey the experience of being part of the immersive installation.
The competition was strong, with students from a range of schools presenting unique readings of works of art. Although Grace did not get through to the semi-final, she gave a very sophisticated, inspiring presentation. The Art department is very proud of Grace’s achievement and we hope the next round of ARTiculation starting in September is as successful for the next Upper Sixth group.
Miss Cottone (Teacher of Art)
