Iluka Visions exhibition showcases local secondary students' artistic talents

Local secondary students have taken centre stage at the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery's Iluka Visions exhibition, showcasing their artistic talents in a professional setting. The exhibition, now in its 35th year, has provided a platform for young artists to launch their careers, with 17-year-old Jazz Lancaster Merton recently crowned the 2026 Portrait Artist of the Year.

Five standout artworks to see at Iluka Visions

Artist and arts educator Charlotte White, a judge at this year's exhibition, has highlighted five artworks that she believes are must-sees.

I don’t think you see me — Emmasyn Dillon

Emmasyn Dillon's mixed media sculpture received the Viewer's Choice Award and overall Best Year 11 and 12 Award. White was captivated by the construction of the life-sized figure and the emotional depth to the two-sided sculpture.

"[It's amazing] to think about the technical skills to creating something like this, so not only thinking about a body sitting on a chair, but how that is going to be balanced with another figure coming out the back," she said.

"The more you look at this work, the more you can get out of it."

Rat Barbie — Remy Mathieson

White was also impressed by Remy Mathieson's small doll-sized rat dolls, made with resin, paint, textiles, leather and wood.

"She's gone as far as to create custom costumes and they have little trinkets in their jackets, and there's character backgrounds next to each doll talking about who they are and what they do," she said.

"I almost want to see a story or a movie or something that like moves on from just these characters — I want to know more about them."

To Err is Human, To Forgive is Divine — Pia Mangano

Pia Mangano's work won the Year 11 and 12 3D Award. White said this work was selected for its role as a thought-provoking and interactive conversational piece.

"It made me realise that these young artists are actually talking about big topics," White said.

"And it was really remarkable that they're not just creating art; they're inviting the audience to have a bit of a debate about things."

All That Floats Away — Beccy Mason

The winner of the Year 9 and 10 Best Overall Artwork, All That Floats Away, was made out of cardboard, tissue paper, shellac, wire mesh and bamboo skewers. White said it conveyed a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

"It had really a really interesting concept with a great use of those everyday materials and using them in a really interesting way," White said.

"It had an imaginative, creative playfulness ... it's suspended and hanging within the gallery like it's sort of flying through."

It's a Wrap — Newton Moore Education Support Centre

White also highlighted this playful work of sticks wrapped in yarn, which was a collaboration between students at the Newton Moore Education Support Centre. It's a Wrap won the Equity Award.

"I can imagine it was tricky for some to create this, but it's a really beautiful piece," White said.

"It's so colourful and textured; it's coming out from the wall and there's pom-poms and there's beads. We just really loved this work and how the students have created it together to create this really beautiful well-rounded piece."

The Iluka Visions exhibition is on display at the Bunbury Regional Gallery until November 15.