The annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition is one of the gallery's most popular exhibitions, providing up-to the minute insights into student\'s creativity and the issues and ideas relevant to them.

Drawn from works submitted for the NSW Higher School Certificate Visual Arts examination, ARTEXPRESS at the Art Gallery of New South Wales presents 55 exceptional artworks. These include paintings, drawing, photography, textile and fibre, ceramics, film and video, digital animation and sculpture.

"The quality of work produced by HSC students is astounding. The themes range from issues of political, social, cultural and spiritual significance through to aspects of personal identity and home environment. Often the gallery's permanent collection and recent major exhibitions, such as the Bill Henson retrospective, offer a point of reference and inspiration," says Tristan Sharp, senior co-ordinator of education and programs, Art Gallery of New South Wales.

This year the gallery has created the Inside ARTEXPRESS interactive website. The site includes a virtual exhibition tour, student profiles, artwork e-cards and the inaugural 2006 People's Choice Award. Inside ARTEXPRESS is made possible by the Motor Accidents Authority of NSW (MAA) Arrive alive youth road safety program. 

For full details on ARTEXPRESS at the gallery and the other venues, together with the regional tour visit  www.insideartexpress.com.au.

ARTEXPRESS is a joint initiative of the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Board of Studies NSW in association with the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Other venues include:

David Jones Elizabeth St & Market St Windows, Sydney
23 January - 2 February 2006

Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre, Gymea
11 February - 26 March 2006

College of Fine Arts, UNSW, Paddington
13 February - 24 March 2006

Sydney Olympic Park Authority
7 March - 30 April 2006

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