This week, our Year 1–4 students had the exciting opportunity to visit the Anthony Browne exhibition.
Before the visit, the students explored a variety of Anthony Browne’s picture books and discussed the difference between an artist and an illustrator. We also learned about Anthony Browne’s journey into the world of illustration. The students discovered how a visit to an art gallery with his family on his mother’s birthday helped him realise that galleries were not boring places, but places full of imagination and inspiration. This experience sparked his interest in art and played an important role in his journey to becoming an illustrator.
As we explored his work, the students learned that Anthony Browne often uses gorillas, monkeys, chimpanzees, and other primates instead of people to tell stories about family, friendship, relationships, and everyday life. He also takes inspiration from famous artworks, transforming them with unexpected and humorous details to create stories of his own.
During the exhibition, the students became little art detectives, looking carefully for interesting, surprising, and funny details hidden within his illustrations. They enjoyed discovering images and ideas that they might not have noticed at first glance.
This visit was also a wonderful opportunity for our Year 3–4 students to take on a leadership role. Students from Year 1–2 and Year 3–4 were mixed into groups, and the older students did a fantastic job of looking after and supporting the younger children throughout the visit. It was lovely to see their confidence, responsibility, and kindness growing, and we were incredibly proud of them.
The students also learned important rules for visiting a public exhibition. We talked about how the gallery is a shared space where other visitors are enjoying the artwork too, so we need to use quiet voices, walk rather than run, and always stay where teachers can see us. They learned that if they need to use the bathroom or need help, they should always tell a teacher first.
Most importantly, the students were able to enjoy the exhibition while looking closely, asking questions, and discovering the playful world of Anthony Browne.
It was a wonderful and memorable experience, and our learning will continue next week. After our Chuseok art activities, the students will take part in an Anthony Browne-inspired art activity, giving them another opportunity to explore his unique artistic style and storytelling in their own creative way.
