“The title of our 2025 IB Visual Arts Exhibition is ‘Primed’—a celebration of vibrant energy and limitless potential. We celebrate young women in their prime and acknowledge the vital contributions of women artists throughout history. We examine the interplay of human experience, identity, and society within nature. We highlight moments that shape our lives and celebrate resilience, strength, and empowerment. Join us in celebrating our journey, and the legacies we build upon, as we stand fully alive, unapologetically authentic, and primed to shape the future through our artistry.”

-IBDP2 Visual Artists
 

The 2025 exhibition, from April 8 – 27, lived up to its name where eight art students ascended to become artists who exhibited their work with passion and professionalism to a large and supportive crowd. It began in AB711, the IB Visual Arts studio, with an introduction and special exhibition with beloved IB Physics teacher, Mr. W, and his son Jacob. His two other sons, Lucas’ and Zachary’s works were also exhibited. Then, everyone moved to the 7F Botanical Garden and foyer, then to “the Lab” and ending at the Students’ Activities Center for artist presentations with music by Antidote. At the end, guest artist, Li Hongwei, spoke about his own journey from an art student to a primed professional. It was a month filled with love, lasting memories, family, and friends.

From top left to bottom right: Primed artists, Jin Huiying, Zhang Yixin, Gao Yuning,  Zeng Zijin, Sun Jiayi, Yang Zixuan, Sun Jiawen, and He Yixuan giving their artist talks

Mr. Arty, Jacob, and Mr. W look at Jacob’s abstract painting
 

In the exhibition, Jin Huiying invited us to reflect on our relationships with nature through the emotions and perception of cats. Sun Jiawen examined human consciousness and connectivity by reflecting on liminal space. Yang Zixuan celebrated femininity and normalizes menstruation, transforming stigma into strength. He Yixuan revealed urban life's complexities by highlighting societal pressures in the Digital Age. Zeng Zijin discussed the beauty amid the paradoxical world of contrasting forces, inviting reflection on inner peace amid external realities. Gao Yuning evoked emotions and relationships through everyday objects; reflecting on identity. Zhang Yixin focused on the ordinary and extraordinary by cherishing simple emotions and minority cultures in society. Sun Jiayi explored the theme of “Primed” through the aspects of nature, social hierarchy, and using photography and material art.

Left to right: Zhao Yinuo, Wu Nuoyu, Lin Jitian, Liu Che, Jin Haoyang, Qing Hanyu – Antidote music performance

 Artist Li Hongwei speaks to BNDS students and the community about art

From top left to right: Sun Jiawen, Zhang Yixin, Jin Huiying,
Sun Jiayi, Mr. Arty, He Yixuan, Yang Zixuan, Zeng Zijin,
and Gao Yuning standing tall at the end of their amazing journey together.
 

The Primed exhibitions will have an encore display in the 7F foyer from May 12 -30, 2025.