Freshly graduated Red Bend Catholic College students Lakkari Pitt and Jess Dwyer were two of just 200 art students to be selected from almost 10,000 candidates from across NSW.

Each of the students used different mediums for their final work.

As part of her final work ‘Displacement’ Jess created three sculptures. 

The artwork addresses the impact of the European settlement on the traditional indigenous cultures of the world, including Aboriginal, Maori and African.

Lakkari’s final work ‘Wabu’ which means river bend in Gamilaroi language is a collection of three acrylic on wood paintings which reflect on Aboriginal culture. 

The paintings represent a journey across country following two significant rivers that meet at a junction.

Both Jess and Lakkari said they were thrilled to be accepted into Art Express.

“It felt like all of the months of hard work paid off,” Lakkari said. 

“And all of the cuts to the hands,” said sculptor Jess. 

Head of creative arts for RBCC Wendy Burke said to have two students nominated, and accepted into the Art Express, was a great result.

“To get this many [entries to Art Express] is not normal for any school, so we’re really lucky,” she said. 

“They were a very talented class and it was very well deserved.”

Both Jess and Lakkari’s art works will be on show with Art Express in the Dubbo Regional Art Gallery from September 19 until November 22, 2015.