Hill Side shine again to retain House Art prize

This year, House Art showcased an impressive array of collaborative artworks on the theme of ‘play’, expressed through a variety of media.

Adjudicator, Tom Pope, a Hastings based artist who works with a range of institutions including Tate, Frieze and Shoreditch House on various projects, remarked:

“Everyone has the ability to play, and everyone has a relationship with it, no matter where they are from or how young or old they may be. As we grow older, play becomes suppressed; we are taught to play by the rules. Sports have rules; society has rules. True play, freedom, and fun should be embraced wherever possible.”

Inspired by this sentiment, both Park and Whitworth Houses received high commendations, with Park bringing their creative vision to life by uniting a range of individual perspectives through a playable jigsaw. This immersive artwork was produced by laser-cutting the pieces and distributing them to be assembled without any knowledge of the final image.

Tom commented:

“The use of chance, by not knowing what the final piece would become, demonstrates a freedom to have fun and to play in both the making and the presentation of art. It is clear how many voices have collaborated to create this work.”

Whitworth House was also commended for its imaginative approach to the project. Their visualisation of a play in reverse placed the audience’s actions and reactions at centre stage, leaving the viewer eager to discover what could have provoked such infectious laughter.

Reflecting on this innovative approach, Tom said:

“The playful exploration of the emotions experienced when watching a performance has resulted in a wonderfully engaging set of photographs.”

This year’s winner was Hill Side, with Max (HS5) leading his fellow House members to victory. The House explored the theme of play from a challenging and thought-provoking angle, portraying the serious impact of its absence on men’s mental health and emphasising the importance of balance as one grows older. Their message was conveyed through a powerful video piece.

Speaking on the exhibition as a whole, Tom observed:

“For many of the students I spoke with today, art represents a free space, unbound by the confines of rules — a place of freedom, where they can truly enjoy play.”