Discover the vibrant world of creativity and expression at this year’s Waldorf Art Week (WAW!) with this special report by Edward Raad, Sama Al Aggad, Aon Alkhas, Mohammad Lebzo, and Farouk Macknay. Join these student journalists and cultural critics as they dive into a show full of artworks that range from the innocent to the profound—works that highlight the unique talents of Waldorf students from Grades 1-10 and that speak volumes about the social issues affecting our community.

The Artistic Spirit of Waldorf

Home to unique minds colored with unmatched ideas and creative visions, the Waldorf School of Jordan holds an annual art gallery under the name “Waldorf Art Week” (WAW). Every student has a unique piece of art either drawn, sewn, painted, sculpted, cut, or collaged—hung on walls bearing the nails of creativity and the love for art. This week delights the eye with the beauty of colors, the details in textures, and the towering sculptures that captivate the observing mind, capturing every breath and listening to all heartbeats echoing in the building. What once were bare walls are now decorated with emotion, tears, love, hatred, passion, and talents from all the students at the Waldorf School of Jordan.

About the Gallery

The Waldorf Art Week (WAW) started in 2019 and used to be called “The Passage.” Now, the WAW is back in June 2024. The gallery includes many different genres of art such as still life, abstract, expressionism, and realism. Some of the art in the gallery is also inspired by famous painters such as Vincent van Gogh, Ibrahim Jawabreh, and Picasso. Almost every student, ranging from grade one to grade ten, has their art displayed, even those who are not as skilled. Information is provided on every piece of art and the grade level of its creator, making the gallery an informative experience. Many teachers say that this Waldorf Art Week is the most impressive one yet. The improvement in the gallery indicates a great future for the next year. The school is very proud to present its work to the world.

Encouragement of Artistic Exploration

The Waldorf School of Jordan deeply cares about art and encourages students to indulge in its wonders, giving them a chance to explore their potential passions using different mediums. Even if students initially show little interest in art, their love for it inevitably blossoms over time. Art has a way of captivating hearts and minds. With patience and exposure, students discover the joy and inspiration that art brings, allowing their passion to grow and flourish in unexpected ways. WAW is an end-of-school event where all the art crafted by students over the school year is displayed in a space downtown as a warm farewell.

Themes of the Year

This year, there is a clear theme shared by many of the artworks: the current genocide taking place in Palestine. These artworks serve as a reminder of the atrocities being committed in Palestine and as a memorial for the innocent blood that has been spilt. Another theme worth highlighting is the emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly art, whether expressed directly through the works’ content or embodied in the re-used and/or recycled materials used in their creation.

Individuality and Expression

The tasks given for art classes might be the same for all students, but every student puts their soul and personal touch into their artwork. Even in artworks requiring nearly identical sculptures, each student makes their contribution in a unique style. The diversity of art styles and pieces made by all grades K-10 is a testament to the unique creativity of the students. At Waldorf every piece is celebrated for its own merits, creating an inclusive environment that embraces all expressions of creativity.

Highlighted Pieces

One piece showcasing the students’ modest efforts and creativity is the first you see before even entering the venue. It’s a seven-letter sculpture made of clay, supported by metal frames, spelling out W-A-L-D-O-R-F. Created by a Grade 10 students, the letters look as if a child’s crayon drawing has come to life—most charmingly and delightfully. The sculpture stands out because of the aura it adds to the event, radiating a vibe of endless effort and innocence, setting a tone that resonates throughout the entire exhibition. As you move through the exhibition, you encounter a stunning array of paintings and sculptures, each reflecting the individual student’s imagination and perspective.

What Makes This Year Special

Every year is special at WAW— due to unique pieces introduced each year. This year features new sculptures, such as the foam metal figures made by grade 8 and painted by grade 5, or the Ammani (Re)models, which are small sculptures inspired by the buildings of Amman and handmade by grade 9 students. One particularly charming set of pieces is the stone sculptures made by grade 3, depicting small, fairy-tale-esque houses and buildings. These pieces tell a story of small creatures, reminiscent of the Picori from the Legend of Zelda series, and their size adds to their adorability.

Do not miss the opportunity to attend the exhibition; it promises to be an unforgettable experience!

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By Edward Raad, Sama Al Aggad, Aon Alkhas, Mohammad Lebzo, and Farouk Macknay