Cape Town - Guile Ackers relishes paintings that catch his attention and he uses art as a way to express himself.
The Apex High School pupil was inspired by his father Brandon after watching him do graffiti.
After doing arts and culture until Grade 9, Guile decided to pursue visual arts as one of his seven subjects from Grade 10.
This year, Guile, along with the rest of the Grade 11 visual arts and design pupils across the Western Cape had to redesign and re-image an artwork by renowned South African artist Irma Stern.
This formed part of their second term project and was part of the UCT Irma Stern Museum celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
After submitting their artwork, pupils were judged by an independent panel, which included two contemporary artists, who are also teachers (independent) in their own right.
Guile’s skills and techniques did not go unnoticed. He is among 51 pupils whose work was chosen to be exhibited at the UCT Irma Stern Museum from September 14 to September 30.
Guile said at first he was not sure what he wanted to do.
“I went on Google and searched Irma Stern, where I saw her artworks were very popular. I decided I wanted to re-create one of her artworks, but with my modern twist.
“I enjoyed completing it and mixing and matching colours. The painting represents Irma Stern's world brought to the future, with the characteristics of a modern painting,” he said.
He added that he feels overwhelmed that his painting was chosen.
“I did not expect my painting to make it. Credit should go to my parents and art teacher for always pushing me to do my best,” he said.
This was made possible by the the UCT Irma Stern Museum and the Western Cape Education Department.
Education MEC David Maynier said they welcome this fantastic opportunity for pupils to showcase their work.
“Arts subjects are important to us in terms of our focus on Steamac (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, agriculture and coding) fields, and help our pupils develop the kind of skills they will need to succeed in the current and future economy,” he said.