Celebrating Imagination and Big Picture Thinking– COBIS International Art Competition 2024-2025 by Mr. Gerry
Art has always been a powerful medium for self-expression, allowing individuals to explore their imagination and convey personal interpretations of the world around them. The COBIS International Art Competition serves as a platform for young artists to showcase their creativity. This year, the theme ‘Magical Moments’ inspired learners to depict the moments that spark wonder in their lives.
One such inspiring entry is by Sakyna, a Year 2 learner, who created a delightful piece titled ‘Cute Unicorns.’
“I did this because I think unicorns are magical” shared Sakyna. Her artwork beautifully captured her love for mythical creatures and the sense of wonder they represent. Her unicorns, painted in a palette of pastels, prance joyfully, exuding innocence and wonder.
Zacrey, a Year 3 learner, chose to focus on a real-life event with his work ‘The Miracle on the Hudson.’
“I did it because it was a magical moment where everybody survived” he explained. Through his depiction of this event, Zacrey highlighted the power of hope and miracles in everyday life.
Yasmine, another Year 3 learner, reflected on a personal adventure in her piece titled ‘Mount Batur.’
“When I climbed the volcano, it was the best.” Yasmine recalled. Her artwork, filled with vibrant energy, mirrors the sense of achievement and awe she felt during that experience. The colours in Yasmine’s artwork draw you in like a sunrise breaking over the horizon, capturing the warmth, excitement, and energy of her unforgettable climb.
Sofia, a Year 6 learner, designed a magical moment titled ‘My Dreams.’ Her artwork showcases her vision of a beautiful, fun, and clean home filled with warmth—and a puppy to play with. Sofia’s piece reflects her aspirations for the future, highlighting her imagination and the joyful possibilities of what lies ahead.
These magical moments are just a few examples of how our young artists tapped into their creativity, using various mediums, including drawings, paintings, and 3D models, to express their visions of wonder and joy. The competition welcomed diverse entries, from imaginative unicorns to real-life heroic events, each representing the unique perspectives of our learners.
Ms. Rien also ensured that our talented secondary school learners had the opportunity to enter the competition.
Jayashree, a Year 9.1 learner, titled her incredible piece ‘As She Looked Up.’
“I like castles and how they’re built. I wanted to express my imagination and big-picture thinking with the magical theme,” Jayashree shared, highlighting her unique vision and creativity. Jayashree’s focus on castles and big-picture thinking captures the essence of ACPs, encouraging learners to see beyond the immediate and into the vastness of their imagination.
Antonella, also in Year 9.1, drew ‘Memories,’ a piece inspired by intellectual playfulness.
“I wanted to draw a selection of magical moments,” she explained, reflecting her ability to capture multiple layers of wonder through her work.
“We were delighted by the creativity and effort displayed in every piece. The competition is a fantastic opportunity for our learners to share their artistic talents on an international stage,” said Ms Rien, reflecting on the event’s significance.
Mr. Gerry added, “The learner’s work this year truly captures their interpretations of ‘magical moments,’ and they should all be incredibly proud of their achievements.”
Our young artists displayed a range of Advanced Cognitive Performance Characteristics (ACPs) and Values, Attitudes, and Attributes (VAAs) in creating their magical art pieces. Through their work, they demonstrated big-picture thinking, empathy, creativity, and resilience, each bringing their unique perspective and imagination to life. These exceptional qualities highlight their growth as High-Performance Learners and their commitment to expressing wonder through art. Nadeen School is excited to see our learner’s artwork competing against other talented young artists from around the world. We wish them the best of luck! We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing their art continue to inspire others.
