Workshop: ‘The Forgotten Army’ | Brief: Design a poster that tells the story of unity & remembrance in your own way | Considerations: ‘What & who is the poster targeted to?’
Miss Evans, Head of Faculty for Art was delighted that 18 talented Year 9 pupils were invited to take part in a significant UK initiative in commemoration of VJ day. The National Memorial Arboretum and the Royal British Legion collaborated with renowned artist Mahtab Hussain to pay tribute to the 2.5 million strong Indian Army who fought during World War II.
The budding young JTHS artists got the opportunity to participate in a workshop with Mahtab, exploring their thoughts and ideas about the exhibition. Through this creative process, they were tasked with designing posters, highlighting the significance of the themes explored. Once the posters are complete, pupils can submit their artwork for it to be showcased and displayed at the popular Illuminated Arboretum event later this year, which attracts an estimated 17,000 visitors.
The event organisers commented that ‘through collaborative creativity, this project intertwines arts, culture, history, and remembrance, engaging students and community participants in meaningful storytelling. By reflecting on themes of identity, service, and shared heritage, Guiding Lights aims to deepen public understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices made by the Indian Army during WWI. The display at the NMA will feature hundreds of student-created posters, professionally illuminated to enhance their visual impact and provide a platform for young artists to share their voices.’
Miss Evans is excited to see the pupil’s artwork in action and was truly impressed by the level of skill and understanding of such an emotive topic. As a thank you for their hard work, each pupil will receive a free ticket to the Illuminated Arboretum event if their work is featured.
We can’t wait to see the exhibition in all it’s glory later this year and will be sharing the photos from the display… watch this space!
