To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the UAE, visual arts students create dramatic 153-canvas artwork
Falcon design pays homage to UAE national bird
Swiss International Scientific school, Dubai is joining in nationwide celebrations of the nation’s 50th anniversary with an enormous art project, a bas-relief image comprising 153 individual canvas panels, which together form a falcon.
The falcon, a powerful symbol of the nation’s strength and courage, was chosen by pupils in Grade 6 and 7 (11 to 13-year-olds) during their visual arts classes.
The pupils were inspired by a marble carving of a falcon they saw during a visit to the EXPO 2020 Vision Pavilion.
In the spirit of ‘Togetherness’, this year’s SISD National Day commemorative artwork is made up of 153 canvases, each featuring tissue paper and PVA glue to create relief lines. When joined together, they form a striking image of a falcon.
The image took ten hours to make and measures 3.4m by 1.8m. It is now hanging in the school’s secondary auditorium area, for students, staff and parents to enjoy.
The art project involved all the students closely collaborating, recognising the spirit of the UAE, inspired by Expo and creating a symbolic feature of the UAE.
Teresa Pollard, Visual Arts teacher said: “Students had the opportunity to use regular materials to create something collaborative and spectacular. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience, taking pride in their section of the art installation and were amazed when they saw the final artwork.”
One of the students involved in the project said: “I loved making this – I was inspired by one of the Pavilions at Expo, and to work together as a group to create something so memorable and engaging has been a great opportunity. To create it for a special occasion, the UAE 50th anniversary, makes it even more special.”
The leading IB school, based in HealthCare City, offers international and bilingual programmes for boys and girls aged 3 to 18, and international boarding options for pupils aged 11 to 18.
SISD has recently been nominated for two awards in the Schools Compared Top Schools Awards 2021, Best International Baccalaureate Curriculum School in the UAE and Best School for Post-16 Education in the UAE.
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