The creative force of the 2021 HSC visual arts students is available for the world to see after the launch of ARTEXPRESS Virtual 2022 last night.

The exhibition features bodies of work by 52 accomplished visual arts students from across all school sectors and regions of NSW.

Now in its third year, the exhibition uses world-leading 3D technology to create an authentic gallery experience in the virtual world where viewers can “walk” around artworks and virtually lift them up.

ARTEXPRESS Virtual 2022 curator and Wyndham College Creative and Performing Arts head teacher, Ron Pratt, said the quality of the work on show was astonishing.

“The diversity of materials and inspired ideas that have emerged, highlight the resilience of these students and the commitment they had for their art practice and creative selves,” Mr Pratt said.

“When viewing this year’s showcase we should reflect that these works were completed when NSW was under its harshest lockdown laws and many students’ access to resources, support and equipment along with their school classroom was limited."

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the works that made up the exhibition were a wonderful example of the dedication and resilience shown by NSW students and teachers.

“These pieces are a testimony to the hard work and commitment shown by students during 2021, and I’m thrilled that the virtual display will allow their hard work to shine all over the world,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The artworks are nothing short of amazing, and I encourage everyone to take the time to view the virtual exhibition.”

ARTEXPRESS Virtual 2021, which used the same technology, had more than 78,000 visits to its website with the painting At Face Value, by Riverside Girls High School student Adina Carapetian, the most viewed artwork with 1181 views.

The ARTEXPRESS Virtual exhibition has been nominated for the Museums Australasia Multimedia and Publication Design Award which will be announced next month.

ARTEXPRESS is a partnership between the New South Wales Department of Education and the New South Wales Education Standards Authority. The National Art School is the Launch Venue Partner for ARTEXPRESS Virtual 2022.