Every year, the students at El Alsson--a British and American International school in Marioutia--exhibit their art at the British Council in Agouza. Although the exhibition is not widely advertised, the students always look forward to the event with much anticipation--excited that the work they have put so much effort into will be seen beyond their classrooms. El Alsson is the only school that exhibits its students' work at the British Council. "The children always look forward to this time of year," explains a parent. "It means a lot to them to be included in the exhibition." This year, the artwork was organized according to age and theme. Advanced art and GCSE students were allowed to choose their own pieces, while students from the 7th and 9th years displayed work from class projects. Staff at the British Council say they were particularly impressed this year and noted significant progress in the students' work since last year's exhibition. Highlights included a number of ghoulish and 'comedia del arts' inspired pieces by Malak Madkour, and a portrait project by Year 7 where the students used charcoal to draw portraits which they embellished with fabrics and materials to express different feelings. A 'Make art not war' project by Year 9 was both timely and creative--employing techniques learned in figure drawing and studies on anti-war art to create bright poster-like pieces. All in all, what stood out in the exhibition was not just the quality of the work on display but the knowledge of techniques, which the students used to convey meaning in their work. The opening of the exhibition was attended by El Alsson faculty and staff as well as the students and their parents.
