Epic mural created for Blanchelande

Wednesday 17 July 2019

An arts charity has created a 42 ft mural for the drama room at Blanchelande.

Arts for Impact facilitated the project which was funded by a family linked with the school.

The mural (pictured above with artist Hugh Rose) explores the concept of the hero’s journey using ancient mythology to tell the students a story about resilience and the importance of going outside their comfort zone.

Mr Rose with his completed mural. 

The mural’s central character, the hero, leaves familiar surroundings; goes on a quest, encounters challenges, temptations and trials along the way, and, in a decisive final conflict, is victorious and returns home permanently transformed by the experience.

"Students can find the pattern of the Hero’s Journey everywhere," explained artist Hugh Rose.

"From films and books - such as The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter - to computer games, and, of course, their own lives. By looking at the Hero’s Journey, students can see their own lives as a developing plot, which they are self-authoring."

Blanchelande Principal, Robert O’Brien, explained that students have loved the opportunity to learn about the artwork that has been gradually created this academic year.

Pictured: Hugh Rose with the students.

"It’s been a great experience for our students to get inside the mind of an artist. Hugh has been working on this enormous mural for several months so there are a lot of ideas and cultural references for the students to pick out and explore. By applying the Hero’s Journey to their own experiences, I think it’s given the students a stronger sense of why art is so important."

Over the summer the project will continue with two further murals around the art and music departments.

"As usual with an Arts for Impact project, this is very much about using creativity to make a real difference in people’s lives," said Mr Rose.

"I am looking forward to continuing to work with Blanchelande students, and thank the College for embracing this project and to Art for Guernsey for creating this opportunity."

Pictured top: the mural.