SOTA: School of the Arts Singapore
SOTA Visual Arts
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November 2023
The SOTA Primary 6 Art Competition 2024 is underway! To inspire young aspiring artists, in this #DiscoverSotaVA series we catch up with our Visual Arts students to discover more on their artmaking process and what drives their passion for Visual Arts. Here we speak with Year 4 student and designer behind this year's competition visual, Lim Jia Xuan, Kate!


Hi Kate! What are your thoughts on this year's theme, "What does Peace mean to you?"
Hello! I think this theme is quite abstract, allowing for a wide range of interpretations and making it suitable for artists to express their unique perspectives on peace. Peace can mean different things to different people - some might depict it as a state of tranquillity and absence of conflict, while others may see it as harmony, unity, or balance in various aspects of life. They can explore their own experiences, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds, supplemented by various mediums and styles to communicate their thoughts and emotions, making it a rich and diverse theme for artistic expression!
Your submission, Nature Can, was a top 50 finalist for the SOTA Primary 6 Art Competition in 2019. Can you tell us more about your experience and your inspiration behind artwork?
"Nature Can" - Watercolour and gouache on paper
I've always had a deep passion for art, and when I heard about the P6 Art Competition, I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to showcase my creativity and artistic skills. I wanted to challenge myself and push the boundaries of my abilities, while also testing my skills against other talented artists.

The theme for my piece was "Nature". I was inspired by nature's resilience and ability to adapt and thrive in unexpected and challenging environments. It's a reminder of the tenacity of life and how even in the most unconventional and adverse conditions, nature can find a way to flourish. The juxtaposition of the natural world and a man-made object like a can creates a compelling visual contrast, emphasising the idea of nature's ability to overcome human intervention and thrive despite obstacles.

Over the course of creating my artwork, I was able to experiment with a variety of different mediums and subject matter which helped me get out of my comfort zone, think outside the box, and approach my work from different perspectives.
What was it like participating in the Junior Academy?
The Junior Academy was a truly unforgettable experience that allowed me to connect with other fellow artists who share the same passion for Visual Arts. It was great to interact with other like-minded individuals and exchange ideas within such a supportive community. One aspect that really stood out was the guidance and mentorship provided by the teachers during the workshops. They not only offered technical guidance but also challenged us with thought-provoking prompts, inspiring us to explore new horizons and grow as aspiring artists.
Left: "Friend" - Created by Kate during Year 2 using oil on canvas
Right: "Coined Gears" - Pencil on paper, created in her first year at SOTA


Say hi to our young budding artists! Do you have any advice for this year's participants?
Do take some time to think about what "peace" personally means to you. Consider how it relates to your own experiences, beliefs, and the world around you. This introspection will provide a solid foundation for your artistic expression. Moreover, experiment with different artistic tools and styles to find the one that best suits your vision for your artwork. Sometimes, trying something new can lead to exciting discoveries!

Sharing your work with your friends, family, or fellow artists can also provide valuable feedback to help you refine your artwork. However, also remember to stay true to your artistic voice and vision - after all, your unique perspective is what makes your piece stand out! Lastly, don't forget to have fun along the way, and let your passion shine through in your art. All the best!


The SOTA Primary 6 Art Competition 2024 is open until 26 January 2024. If you will be in Primary 6 in 2024 (and are based in Singapore), we invite you to participate in this drawing and painting competition and submit your artwork via your Primary School!
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