Impressive Art display celebrates Black History Month

October 13, 2021

Art students at Monmouth School for Boys have been celebrating Black History Month.

They have created large portraits in charcoal of black artists and designers – and these striking drawings are now on display in the school’s main reception.

When asked by their teacher, Ms Sheila Mone, to name 10 great artists, the group of Year 11 students originally selected a list that was male and white.

“The class discovered the rich history that exists of the enormous contributions black people have made to art heritage,” explained Otis Walker, a Year 12 student.

“The project was built into the curriculum and the class discovered that black people have been represented in art.

“The students also learned about the lives and work of the many great black artists throughout history, as well as those working today.”

To complete the study and, to celebrate Black History Month, the class set out to represent its growing understanding of these stories, the connections to history, and the lives of the black artists involved.

The pieces of work by Ben and Anton, both aged 15, are among those in the outstanding school exhibition.

October is Black History Month in the UK, an event that has been celebrated nationwide for more than 30 years.

The month was originally founded to recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to the UK over many generations.

Now, Black History Month has expanded to include the history of not just African and Caribbean people but black people in general.

Sixth Form students at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools also put together a thought-provoking and informative assembly on Black History Month.

“Student engagement in issues surrounding diversity and inclusion has been a strong feature of life at our senior schools over the last six months,” said Mr Simon Dorman, Headmaster at Monmouth School for Boys.

“I am very proud of the way in which our students have brought various initiatives to fruition. The large portraits, which are currently being exhibited in our reception, are superb.”