TALENTED pupils from Hounslow have made it into the final of a national art competition that seeks to discover how young people define themselves today.
Almost 2,000 school and college students entered the the Equality and Human Rights Commission's Young Brits at Art competition, with one student from Gumley House Convent School and three from Lampton School making it into the top 100 shortlist.
Stephanie Winn from Gumley House, in Isleworth was one of the entrants who will now have her work judged by a panel of art critics, artists and TV presenters.
Stephanie, 18, whose piece is a painting of her grandmother, said: "I'm really excited about being shortlisted, especially as the painting means so much to me personally. I wanted to present her as a vibrant and important force that has not been diminished by the ageing process. Her skin is withered yet she still remains as beautiful and graceful as ever."
Daniel Coffey, Louise Hill and Bhaumik Dhulia, all from Lampton School in Hounslow, were also shortlisted in the competition, which
is not about finding the best art, but about finding the most thought provoking, creative and engaging.
Bhaumik, 16, said: "My piece is about being who you want to be. Why must there be the 'next Pele' or the 'next Coppola'? Staying unique is vital to our life. We are all born unique so why must we follow trends and other people's footsteps?"
Louise, 17, said her painting represented how changes in our culture have altered our values. "I have attempted to show this through differences in aspects such as clothing and smoking," she said.
Daniel, 18, wished to show that life is too short for young people to worry about things, as well as reflecting that he feels he is becoming like his father.
The 10 winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on July 2.
Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "Not only is the standard of work exceptionally high. The maturity of the young people shown in their accompanying written texts is as inspiring as it is impressive."
For more information visit www.equality humanrights.com/art
