Art at NLCS Kobe is about far more than creating beautiful pieces of work. It is a powerful way for students to explore ideas, make connections across subjects and express their understanding of the world around them.
Throughout the academic year, our students have taken part in a wide range of creative projects, each designed to develop artistic techniques while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and self-expression. From Japanese contemporary art to identity, wellbeing and scientific progress, every project tells a story of learning.
Discovering Japanese Contemporary Art
Our Grade 3 students explored the vibrant world of the avant-garde Japanese Gutai movement, drawing inspiration from Tsuruko Yamazaki’s Red Lantern installations.
Using acrylic paint, students experimented with advanced masking techniques to create clean shapes before layering paint to build rich textures. They also explored the concept of perspective, carefully considering size and placement to create traditional Japanese lanterns that appear to glow and float beyond the canvas.
By studying influential Japanese artists, students not only developed new artistic skills but also gained a deeper appreciation of Japan’s rich artistic heritage.
Art, English and Healthy Living
In another Grade 3 project, creativity met communication through a vibrant cross-curricular unit combining Art, English and Health & Wellbeing.
Students investigated the psychology of colour, selecting bright, energetic palettes that make healthy foods appear fresh and appealing. Using recycled paper and masking tape, they created three-dimensional fruits and vegetables before applying their English learning to develop persuasive advertising slogans using alliteration, similes and metaphors.
The project encouraged students to think creatively while recognising how visual design and language work together to communicate powerful messages.
Exploring Identity and Belonging
As part of their Unit of Inquiry, Identity and Belonging, our Grade 4 students created mixed-media self-portraits celebrating what makes each individual unique.
Beginning with black-and-white profile photographs, students used acrylic paint pens to personalise their portraits before designing their own printed backgrounds using handmade styrofoam printing plates. They completed each piece by selecting descriptive words that reflected their individual personalities, values and strengths.
Through the creative process, students explored both artistic techniques and their own sense of identity, producing thoughtful artworks that celebrate diversity within our school community.
Telling Stories Through Art
Our Grade 5 students explored the traditional triptych format as part of their inquiry into the evolution of science and technology.
Using three connected panels, students represented the natural world, industrialisation and imagined futures, demonstrating how artistic composition can communicate change over time. To deepen these ideas further, they incorporated quotations from Frankenstein, connecting themes from their English studies with their artwork.
This project encouraged students to think critically about scientific progress while using art as a medium for storytelling and reflection.
Creativity as a Way of Learning
Across every year group, these projects demonstrate that art at NLCS Kobe is much more than a creative subject. It provides opportunities for students to inquire, reflect, collaborate and communicate ideas in meaningful ways.
Whether experimenting with new materials, exploring Japanese culture, making cross-curricular connections or expressing their own identities, our students continue to discover that creativity is an essential part of learning.