Bridge House School celebrated an extraordinary evening of artistic expression and storytelling at the official opening of the 2026 Matric Art Exhibition.
Responding to this year’s IEB theme, “The Things We Carry,” our Grade 12 artists delivered a deeply moving collection of work exploring what it means to hold heritage, memory, relationships, societal pressure, and hope for the future. From tackling complex themes like gender-based violence, consumerism, and generational trauma to capturing the beauty of movement, cultural identity, and nature, this body of work challenges viewers to reflect on what we hold onto and what we choose to leave behind.
Making art is never a straightforward journey; it demands true resilience. Overcoming uncooperative materials, stepping out of comfort zones, enduring a gruelling four-day practical examination, and meticulously curating visual journals required extraordinary grit and vulnerability from every learner.
We extend a warm thank you to renowned artist Hannah Paton (creator of Kans Karoo) for opening the exhibition and inspiring our young creators with her powerful message of turning waste into worth and weaving stories with dignity.
Congratulations to our Grade 12 artists on presenting a phenomenal exhibition that reflects both artistic maturity and profound personal insight!
