Our Wonderful Differences
We are delighted to present, ‘Our Wonderful Differences'; a piece of artwork created by a group of Looked After Children at St Cuthbert’s Secondary School.
The group have been working with UC Crew and artist KINGSYZE Graffiti, to create this wonderful piece of work which is an adaptation of their school badge, with section representing topics or issues that the group members have experienced; Learning Disabilities & Mental Health, Poverty/Cost of Living Crisis, Self Expression & Exploration of our differences and LGBTQ+ Representation
Learning Disabilities
This section was inspired by personal experiences of members within the group and features symbols associated with specific learning disabilities.
Both the eye and the puzzle piece are symbols commonly associated with Autism while the rainbow infinity symbol represents neurodiversity and the idea that neurological differences, such as autism and ADHD, are limitless. The young people felt strongly that these images need representation within their school community.
The focus on mental health awareness within this section extended from the fact that everyone, whether neurodivergent or neurotypical, can relate to struggles with mental health.
Poverty / Cost of Living Crisis
The group wanted to feature the Cost-of-Living Crisis into their work to help normalise the conversation around this issue amongst young people.
The group extended the idea of using their own experiences to consider how poverty affects different communities and how other social issues will be impacted by the current economic problems including racism and bullying.
Our Wonderful Differences
This section inspired the name of the artwork and features many of the different passions and interests of the group members; allowing for personal exploration and self-expression. The theme of exploration is represented by the depiction of Space alongside other things the group are passionate about, resulting in a wonderfully collaborative piece of art.
LGBTQIA+ Representation
The style of art within this section was inspired by the album art featured in the music of De La Soul, this was a theme that ran throughout the project and allowed the group to feature the skills they had honed over the past 5 months of learning about graffiti art. The theme of acceptance and representation is important in this artwork. early on the young people identified that the differences they experience and having the freedom to express yourself, massively impacts those differences. The intention for this panel was to celebrate differences and the right to protest.
Puzzle Pieces
Puzzle pieces designed by each individual group member can be found throughout the artwork. These give the young people a sense of ownership, allowing them to put their own personal stamp on the piece. Each young person took a different approach when creating their ‘signature piece’ some opting to stand out, others choosing to camouflage theirs in the section they related to most.
We have been so impressed by the artwork this group of young people have created and are inspired that the group have taken this opportunity to raise awareness of topics that affect so many young people. We are delighted that, thanks to National Lottery players, the re-imagined school badge is now proudly displayed within the school and will be seen by young people for years to come, inspiring them to take a moment and celebrate Our Wonderful Differences.
“I think that this was time well spent as I to want to take spray painting as a hobby. It is one of the things I look forward to and is very enjoyable. I wish this could last longer but unfortunately it cannot but it will stay as a memory for me and many others that participated and will be a great thing for the rest of all our lives. We have made many pieces in our time doing this and our final project is great and everyone is going to love it, this is a great experience to have. ”
This project took place as part of our Communities of Wonder programme, funded by National Lottery Community Fund and made possible by National Lottery Players.
