Year Nine Artists Discover Birmingham Through a Different Lens
Year Nine Art pupils recently visited Birmingham to explore the theme of ‘Urban Decay’ through photography, contemporary art and the city’s cultural landscape, gathering inspiration for their own creative work.
The day began in Digbeth, where pupils took part in a photographic walk and workshop, exploring the textures, patterns and overlooked details of the urban environment. From weathered brickwork and peeling paint to street art and industrial architecture, pupils were encouraged to discover beauty in unexpected places and consider how photography can capture a location’s history and identity.
The group then visited Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, exploring historical collections alongside EVERY THING MUST GO, an exhibition by comedian and artist Joe Lycett. Through themes of nostalgia, loss and change, the exhibition encouraged pupils to consider how artists document the past, preserve memories and transform everyday subjects into thought-provoking artwork.
At Ikon Gallery, pupils explored Lines of Flight, an exhibition celebrating the work of British-Indian artist Balraj Khanna. Featuring more than 40 paintings spanning six decades, the exhibition introduced pupils to abstraction, expressive lines and layered textures, offering further inspiration for their own photography and artistic development.
Throughout the visit, pupils considered how Art can communicate ideas about memory, identity and the changing world around them. The experience supported their Year Nine Art studies and their progress towards the Bronze Arts Award.
Head of Art, Mrs Liversidge, commented: “A key part of an art education is learning to look at the familiar in unfamiliar ways. This trip encouraged our pupils to find beauty in imperfection, stories in neglected spaces and inspiration in the unexpected. By experiencing art in the streets, museums and galleries of Birmingham, they are developing not only their technical skills, but also their curiosity, confidence and ability to think critically about the world around them. These experiences bring the curriculum to life and remind our young artists that creativity begins with looking closely, asking questions and being open to new ideas.”
The visit provided an excellent opportunity for pupils to experience Art beyond the classroom, developing their creativity, confidence and appreciation of the inspiration available in the world around them.
Mrs K Liversidge, Head of Art
