The West Australian Pulse 2022

WA's talented young artists are celebrated in this yearly showcase, gauging the pulse of young people who will influence, impact and shape the world we live in.

This year’s exhibition celebrates 30 years, featuring 49 works by 2021 Year 12 Visual Arts graduates from 32 schools across WA.

This year The West Australian Pulse exhibitors explore themes of mental health and social pressures, environmentalism and human impact, connection, meaning and memory.

From the inception of the exhibition in the early 1990s, the public showed immense support and enthusiasm for the work of graduating students and the popularity of the exhibition quickly grew. The selected works in what was known as Year 12 Perspectives have always been chosen on merit, creativity and individuality, not on the top marks of that year, and have presented an interesting mix of the finalists’ good technique, original ideas and creative interpretation.

Looking back at 30 years of Pulse highlights how artistic style has developed over time. It is also a moment to reflect on how the social concerns of young people have progressed or shifted. In this way, we can recognise issues that stand-alone or themes which connect across time.

Each year the selected works provide a window into young people’s private, social and artistic concerns. The exhibition is an inspiring, rewarding and insightful look at the world through the minds of our most talented young artists.

Act Belong Commit Pulse Perspectives People's Choice Award
Visitors to this year’s exhibition are encouraged to vote for their favourite work in the Act Belong Commit People’s Choice Award. Visitor voting is open from 10am, Wednesday 20 April until 5pm, Monday 18 July with the winner announced on Wednesday 20 July 2022. The student artist whose work receives the most votes will receive $2,500. The school, the artist attended will receive an AGWA workshop and tour package.

Image credits - Melissa Howman What a waste! 2021 (detail). Oil paint, pencil, glazed ceramic and wood, five parts: 46 x 36 x 30 cm overall. Melville Senior High School. Sophie Kostkova good luck rabbit 2021 (detail). Mixed media and textiles, three parts: 46 x 88 cm, 38 x 35 cm, and 64.5 x 119.5 x 1.6 cm. Corpus Christi College.

Photos: Bo Wong