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On the Pulse

May 04, 2023

It's been a big week at AGWA with the launch of our popular The West Australian Pulse exhibition, which features 61 works by Year 12 visual arts graduates. A catwalk extravaganza by Perth's four design schools started the show with a bang.

PULSE 2023 will see a first – the state gallery handing itself over entirely to youth culture and art. This includes an incredible project where TAFE students will come together and draw inspiration from the PULSE artworks to create scarves and headwear that will be on display and sale at the Design Store. More about that journey later.

Header image - Photos: Alan Chau, courtesy of The West Australian.



Sky Biesse with her winning work Don't Worry Be Happy, AGWA installation view, 2023. Photo: John Koh, courtesy of The West Australian.

18-year-old Sky Biesse was announced the winner of The West Australian Editor's Choice Award with her work, titled Don’t Worry Be Happy. The teen artist drew on her own struggles with mental health to create the winning entry, now on display at the Gallery.

Sky visited the Design Store this week and chose her favourite products and designers.


“My favourite book is 'The world of Anna Sui' by Tim Blanks because even just skimming through it, I instantly fell in love with the fashion aesthetics Anna uses. I can especially appreciate the way she approaches maximalism through different lenses, such as grunge, hippie etc. The layout of the book was also very well constructed, and it felt very engaging - like I was looking at my Pinterest boards!”

“My next favourite artwork was 'After You' by Conor Macgrath. It caught my eye for the execution of the sculpture. The approach was so interesting, and it resonated with me because I felt it represented the rigid structure we live within and the effect it ultimately has on individuals who suffer for it.”

“I really liked Kate Rohde’s 'Vessels and Jewellery', particularly for the ornate structure combined with unconventional materials and colours, creating a nice contrast between typically vintage ornate deco and organic structural elements. It reminded me of the bright colours and structure of coral and sea anemones.”


Calling all AGWA Design Store fans to step out and step into a fabulous night of designer exclusives and new product releases.

Meet new and emerging designers and enjoy a Q&A with local milliner Van Box Head.

You’ll also enjoy instore exclusive offers and prizes.

Thursday, May 11 from 6-8pm with a glass of sparkling on arrival.

Limited places available, please email rsvp@artgallery.wa.gov.au to secure your place.

Part of The West Australian Pulse 2023 activations.