Fine art of student success

09 Mar 2021

An art award that aims to uncover hidden talent within Canterbury secondary schools has put the work of College Year 13 student Reis Azlan firmly in the spotlight.

A striking painting by Reis has been recognised with a top 15 spot in The Creators’ Room 2021 Scholarship award.

It is the first time that Reis has entered any of his works for an award or exhibition.

“Encouraged by the College Head of Art, Darryn George, I decided to give a go,” Reis, 17, says.

“My painting focuses on diversity in the beauty of traditional south-east Asian culture.

“Whenever I think of life at home in Singapore, it is very busy, filled with colourful markets and sights.”

Each year, thousands of works by students are entered for the award. The painting by Reis was chosen from the top 100 submissions to feature in an exhibition titled Art Stars.

The top 15 will also be centre stage in a separate awards exhibition, with prints of the work offered for sale.

Reis – one of only two boys to make the top 15 – plans to continue painting and wants to study architecture.