Risktaker – Diploma Visual Art

Congratulations to the DP Grade 12 Visual Art Students for displaying the IB risktaker, also known as courageous, attribute, through their Visual Art Exhibition. This exhibition was a testament to their independent spirit, as they were brave enough to explore new roles, ideas, strategies and articulated their beliefs.

The Visual Art students embodied ristakering by stepping out of their comfort zones, approaching uncertainty with thought and determination, challenging ways of thinking and exploring new ideas and innovative strategies. They developed bravery by being resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change, and become courageous in their choices and actions.

In spite of the students inherent fear of failure, the Grade 12 Visual Art Students must be commended for challenging themselves to do hard things. Through their ability to analyse materials in a different ways, they were open to going beyond the ISD campus, reaching out to successful practitioners in the community such as Tayabuzzaman (Topu) Khan, Md.Tokon, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Tayeba Begum Lipi, Arafat Karim and Mohammed Iqbal. Working with these internationally acclaimed artist, put the students at ease with the concept of making mistakes. In fact, mistakes were welcomed, as this provided a learning moment, an opportunity to grow and rework or rethink an art piece.

The students’ courageous spirit allowed them to use skills, techniques, materials and art styles even when initially they did not feel confident with their own ability. Their bravery was seen through how they articulated and explained their opinions and beliefs. Their explanations showed courage and forethought and it was evident that they had the freedom to express themselves through their selection of unique concepts, topics and themes, that they have had personal experience with, and researched in depth.

By being risktakers, the Grade 12 Visual Art Students not only met the requirements of the programme, but have personal testimonies of moments of self actualisation, that they can take away with them, far beyond passing the examination.

Bridget Mutasa
MYP and DP Visual Arts Teacher
Arts Head of Department