ArtRage is one of the biggest exhibitions for student artwork in the nation but 2020 was unusual, capturing the year of COVID-19 through the eyes of students.
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Curator Ashely Bird said the exhibit captured a moment in time for the young artists "as they grapple with the impacts of social isolation and uncertainty in the midst of a global pandemic".
"Thematically, the pieces capture a new level of emotional depth and demonstration of tenacity that shines through the exhibition," he said.
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For the curator, this was his fifth year involved in ArtRage and he said it was unique.
"We have had a year that has had such an identity. 2020 almost seems like it has its own personality," he said.
The exhibit, in its 26th year, showcases the cream of the crop of budding artists in years 11 and 12 studying either Art Production or Art Studio Practice.
This year, more than 200 works from 117 students across 23 schools and colleges were featured.
Student artists and one of the winners of The 2020 Examiners' Choice, Isabella Hayes, said her work was about her journey through isolation and her emotional response to that time.
"The impact of isolation came through in my art practice, as I had to adapt to new ways of continuing my practice during a difficult and disruptive time," Hayes said.
She said she was excited to have the opportunity to showcase her work.
"I was ecstatic [to find out about the Examiners' Choice]," Hayes said.
The student artist will go on to complete further study at the University of Tasmania in Hobart and pursue her love of the arts.
Creative arts and cultural services general manager Tracy Puklowski said ArtRage provided a foot in the door for young emerging artists and gave them a taste for a career in the sector.
"There has never been a more important time to come and support emerging creative talent. ArtRage has traditionally been a stepping-stone for emerging Tasmanian artists," she said.
Ms Puklowski said there was an incredible variety of works but there were slight differences to previous years with smaller-scale works and more self portraits due to the confinements of the pandemic.
"There is a bit more introspective stuff," she said.
Ms Puklowski said that she was surprised there was still such a wide range of mediums but said it showed how ingenious students had been to access the materials.
"There's the same incredible range that we expect from ArtRage each year," she said.
"Most of this work would look completely at home in a dealer gallery."
Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said ArtRage was a great opportunity for the community to connect with young artists.
"Following the uncertainty of the event in 2020 due to COVID earlier in the year, it's wonderful to see this initiative back on our exhibition schedule," he said.