St James, part of the Berkeley Group, has collaborated with Ark Burlington Danes Academy to showcase the talents of local young artists through a special public art installation at its West London development, White City Living.
The award winning developer invited pupils at the Academy to respond to the brief ‘What does White City mean to you?’
The quality of the resulting artwork is quite exceptional. A number of talented students from Years 10-13 have created a series of striking pieces that capture the spirit, diversity, and energy of the local area. These have now been professionally produced and installed on sections of the railway arches bordering the development – transforming it into a vibrant, community-inspired outdoor gallery.
Vice Principal, Laura Morris, Ark Burlington Danes Academy, comments: “We deeply believe that art serves as a profound means of self-expression, allowing individuals to share their unique voices and experiences with the world. Our students harness this medium to delve into their identities and convey their unique perspectives in ways that words often fail to capture. The vibrant pieces created for this community project showcase their inner worlds, serving as a striking representation of their thoughts and emotions.
“This project also highlights the profound value of art as a bridge for connection and shared experience. By contributing their work, our students have not only showcased their individual talents but have also woven a collective narrative that strengthens the bonds within our community. Their art becomes a public dialogue, inviting viewers to engage with their ideas and feel a sense of shared purpose.
“Ultimately, the creations displayed here are more than just images on a wall; they are catalysts for change. They embody the school’s vision by demonstrating how passion, creativity, and commitment can translate into tangible, positive contributions that extend beyond our campus and into the wider world.
“We are incredibly proud of their work and deeply thankful for Ms Paul and the art department’s unwavering dedication to fostering such inspiring talent.”
This week, St James invited the students and teachers to come down and see their artwork on display and asked what inspired their remarkable work.
Student, Esthefani Neves Pitan Ferreira, describes what inspired her artwork: “Studying at Burlington Danes Academy, nestled in a historic building from 1927, and living in White City has allowed me to appreciate the vibrant timeline of cityscape, rich with diverse traditions and trends. The transformation of White City into a dynamic hub of skyscrapers teeming with entertainment, shopping, and recreation is inspiring.
“I composed this artwork with a vision, weaving together the timeline, culture, diversity, and vibrancy of London, highlighting the city’s iconic crest the dragon. At Burlington Danes, we embody the spirit of transformation as we declare, ‘We will be the ones to make our world a better place.”
Fellow student, Rassah Hamdam, also shared his views: “I’ve been living in White City since 2019, and it has become one of my favourite parts of London, celebrating diversity and peace. I chose to express this vibrant spirit in my painting. My visit to Courthall inspired me as I connected with Edouard Monet’s iconic scene at the Folies-Bergere. This influence merged historical artistry with the contemporary essence of White City.
“In my work, I draw from my own photographs of Wood Lane Tube Station and incorporate a student who embodies the social integration of pigmentation. Instead of Monet’s wine bottles, I’ve transformed the imagery into symbols of peace and a weighing scale for equality and replaced roses with lotus flowers to reflect the heart of the vibrant White City.”
