On March 3rd, the celebration ceremony for the "Cosmos Mapping" 2024/2025 YWIES SHLG. Annual Art Exhibition was held in the lobby of Building A. As the audience entered the exhibition hall, they were deeply captivated by the magnificent and colorful forms of art and the works displayed—these creations from our school's young artists, ranging from first grade to A2 grade, seemed to transform "imagination" into a vibrant atmosphere, presenting infinite hope and vitality.

MCs’Remarks

AS Jerry Li，AS Emily Zhang

In this art exhibition, we have taken "Cosmos Mapping" as the theme, exploring a highly energetic dimension of perception and cognition through four chapters: "Singularity Universe," "Color Universe," "Multidimensional Universe," and "Inner Universe." It represents the unity of the micro "singularity" and the macro "myriad phenomena." Therefore, we traverse between the objective and the inner self, between phenomena and essence, and across different cultures and disciplines, leaving traces of our creative thoughts.

The 17th-century French philosopher René Descartes laid the foundation for modern civilization with his statement "I think, therefore I am." The concept of "thinking" that he emphasized has been continuously reshaped in contemporary times, highlighting the deep connection between perception and reason. However, with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, we question whether "calculation and simulation" can replace "I think," and whether they can lead us to "I am." The exhibition theme "Cosmos Mapping" not only showcases our diverse thinking and artistic creation methodology but also reflects our shared spirit of seeking true knowledge through visual phenomena. Furthermore, it conveys our aesthetic proposition of inclusivity, integrity, and innovation.

In this art exhibition, students ignite visual curiosity through their artworks, exploring artistic media and discourse while stimulating multiple cognitive experiences. From the uninhibited creative imagination of the Grade 1 to the profound philosophical reflections in the works of the senior students, our annual art exhibition not only infuses vibrant energy into our learning community but also fosters a sense of community through the resonance of art and its reflection of social phenomena.

Principals’ Messages

Clayton Mulllins，Gary Zhou

What a joy it is to celebrate our 'Cosmos Mapping' and 'Art Reframing' exhibitions! Seeing our students explore their inner universes and reshape their perspectives through creativity, especially in dialogue with the esteemed Italian Pavilion, is truly inspiring. This is why art education is so vital; it empowers our young people to question, connect, and find their unique voice in an ever-changing world. This exhibition is a vibrant snapshot of that journey – a testament to their curiosity and courage. My sincere congratulations and deep appreciation go out to our talented students and the dedicated teachers who guide them. Bravo!

Student Representatives Speeches

G1 Asiah Mullins

Hello everyone! I am Asiah from G1A! In art class, we learned about many different artists, such as James Rizzi and his "Happy House." We also explored art from around the world. Additionally, we collected discarded tissue boxes to create "monster boxes" and used clay, mosaics, and various other materials to create art.Art is interesting，I like it！

G1 Cason Liu

Hello everyone! I'm Cason from Class G1A. Today, I'm so excited to stand here and share our art projects with you!

In art class, we’ve had tons of fun while learning amazing skills – like expressing emotions through colors, and turning simple materials into something extraordinary.

All these artworks tell stories: some were inspired by nature’s beauty, others came straight from our wildest imaginations!

Thank you for coming to our exhibition – I hope you’ll love them as much as we do!

G5 Crystal Yao

Hello everyone! I'm Ian from G5B. Art is really amazing and has been with us throughout history, from the time of cave paintings to styles like Impressionism, Cubism, and Pop Art. We've learned about different artistic styles from artists like Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró. We also do a lot of fun activities like sculpting, pottery, and drawing. Art is so interesting! Hope you can enjoy our art exhibition. Thank you！

G7 Isabella Ye

Good afternoon everyone, I'm Isabella from Class 7B. Today, I'd like to share my personal philosophy of art.

To me, art is the language of the soul – it gives voice to our deepest emotions through colors and forms when words fall short. While others' perspectives may enrich your work, never let them overwrite the unique essence you bring to creation.

The true heartbeat of every artwork comes solely from its creator. Critics may add petals to your blossom, but they can never plant the seed for you.

So create boldly! Isn't the sheer joy of artistic expression itself life's most beautiful gift?

G7 Gracie Cen

Hello everyone, I am Gracie Cen from G7A, I am very happy that I can share my thoughts about ‘art’ with you today. 

The whole name of our art class is ‘art and design’ and these two words are everywhere in our life, and our lives can also be designed by ourselves. Most of us always say that art comes from life. In life we might meet many different things and people, they can all affect our mood, that is the input which you absorb from life. And the artworks are the output, that where you can express your emotions. Art is also a kind of language, it helps us express emotions and feelings that are hard to put into words. 

Pick up your brush, connect you and the medium of your ART!

G8 Tina Han

In this campus filled with creativity and inspiration, fluid painting is not only an expression of art but also an interpretation of the mysteries of the universe. Students use flowing colors to depict the trajectories of nebulae and vibrant strokes to outline the boundless worlds within their hearts. Each piece of work is an exploration, a blend of imagination about the external universe and a release of emotions from deep within. Here, art and science intertwine, igniting students' infinite curiosity about the unknown.

YWIES Shanghai Lingang's mission of "alliance with art" not only encourages innovation but also guides students to continuously explore the path of art. Whether it’s creation in the classroom or spontaneous expression in the corners of the campus, art is everywhere. The school provides a wealth of artistic activities and an open creative environment, allowing students to seek inspiration in freedom and break boundaries within rules. This place is not only a temple of knowledge but also a fertile ground for art, nurturing generations of young people who dare to dream and are brave enough to create.

A2 David Yu

I am David Yu from A2. For me, the Digital Media course has expanded my thinking. While creating my portfolio, I developed creativity in design and a deeper appreciation for art. Before this, I had less interest in art, but this course helped me discover my strengths. Many students also find their own gifts in photography, media, or editing. We using them to build our graduate portfolios for university applications. In the same time, school also conducted many art exhibitions.  We can show our work to the public, which is a very different experience and challenge for us.

AS Angelique Ho

Dear teachers and dear classmates,I am Angelique Ho from AS-B. Hello everyone! Today, I would like to share some insights about art. Art is not only a form of expression but also a way to observe the world and express oneself. Throughout the process of painting, I gradually discovered that art is not just a skill exercise but also a training of thought.

Art has taught me to observe the world, nurtured my creativity, and improved my ability to express myself. More importantly, art is a form of spiritual cultivation, which means it is not just about creating visual works but also a journey of inner exploration and self-reflection. Beyond the dimension of skill, it enables me to continuously explore myself, release emotions, and connect with the world, helping me find inner peace and strength amidst the complexities of life. I believe that no matter what the future holds, art will be a valuable treasure in my life. Thank you, everyone!

Teachers’ Speeches

Leigh Andrews

Secondary Visual Arts Teacher

The Cosmos is a great unknowable. Filled with unfathomable mysteries and unexplored potential, it is ironic that we can find parallels between the huge cosmos and our own relatively small human minds. The micro reflecting the macro in an intimate dance of survival and expansion.

Just like the vast cosmos, our hearts and minds contain undiscovered depths and limitless potential. Art is but one of the tools we can use to express those depths and potential. Just as we stare in awe as a comet streaks across the night sky, revealing the intricate clockwork balance of the Universe, we also stare in amazement at an artist’s ability to express emotions and complex contradictions, within ourselves and our society, through pictures.

This is the purpose of art. Not only to create beauty, but to challenge our views of ourselves and our societies, to challenge us to be better, more considerate, more loving, more generous. It is to aid in our evolution into a species that may eventually understand the cosmos we all live in and exist in harmony with everything else that exists within it.

In their studies, our young primary and secondary students are learning the tools and skills needed to express themselves fully whilst our upper secondary students are grappling with what it is they want to say about life and how to say it. It is a noble journey that they are all on and I am very pleased to support them in that journey, just as I know you, parents and fellow educators, are happy to share the path with them. They may occasionally fall, but as long as we are there to pick them back up, they will succeed, reaching out into the vast unknowable and learning to recognize and know themselves. looking back at them from the heavens above. 

Agnes Zhang

Secondary Visual Arts Teacher & Head of Visual Arts 

The annual art exhibition is a tradition spontaneously established by our Yew Wah Lingang Art Group, and it has been held for five consecutive years. It showcases the proactive and diverse artistic and learning atmosphere at Yew Wah Lingang and extends to exhibitions in external venues, featuring works from nearly all grade levels in the school's art courses.

This stage is hard-won, as it embodies the perseverance of many students and the selfless dedication of our art teachers. This stage is unforgettable because we have witnessed many "miracles"—once the student who was immersed in her own worlds has stepped up to speak! The senior student, who once struggled with self-doubt, is now confidently presenting her achievements, drawing attention from all.

If the outside world constantly debates success and failure, then our exhibition stage is willing to become the "internal universe" for students—if you wish to speak, we are here to listen; if you surpass yourself, we will applaud enthusiastically.

Finally, I would like to thank our art teachers Yilia Zhang, Leigh Andrews, David Hardyment, and resident artist Gabe Ostley, as well as the support from our principals and coordinators, and the assistance from the school office and FMSS.  Without your help, our exhibition would not have achieved today’s success. Thank you!