Celebrating Global Creativity: Inaugural International Art Competition 2025

Competition Results Announcement with judge Dr. Benedict Carpenter van Barthold and Bonnie Green, Marketing Coordinator (Malvern College International).

This term, over 80 brilliant young artists from across the global Malvern College Family of Schools showcased their creativity in our inaugural International Art Competition 2025! From Hong Kong to Egypt, and from Chengdu to the UK, our pupils addressed the critical topic of ‘Sustainability’, utilising the power of art to transcend geographical boundaries and cultural differences to create meaningful artworks about our shared future.

Hosted through our innovative Virtual Art Academy platform, this competition challenged pupils from Years 3 to 13 to explore sustainability through a variety of mediums, including digital art, mixed media and paint.

We were exceptionally privileged to welcome Dr. Benedict Carpenter van Barthold, Old Malvernian and distinguished figure in the UK creative sector, as our competition judge. Dr. Carpenter van Barthold’s journey – from Malvern College student in the late 1980s to prize-winning sculptor, academic and innovator bridging art and technology – exemplifies the transformative power of a holistic Malvern education.

His expertise provided our students with invaluable professional insight, offering the kind of constructive feedback that shapes artistic development. As he noted during the judging process, the quality of entries demonstrated not just technical skill, but sophisticated conceptual thinking about complex global issues.

Our youngest participants proved that age is no barrier to meaningful artistic expression. The category winner, Theo P’s “Precious Tree of Life,” exemplified how primary-aged students can engage with sophisticated themes through accessible visual language.

‘Precious Tree of Life’, Theo P, The Downs Malvern

Dr. Carpenter van Barthold praised Theo’s “use of colour and composition,” noting how effectively it “conveys the most pressing, burning issues of our day.” Special mentions went to Sean C from Malvern College Chengdu for his painting “Protect Water Resources” and Felix W from The Downs Malvern, whose work demonstrated “the simplicity of the most effective advertising.”

‘Protect Water Resources’, Sean C, Malvern College Chengdu

‘Support our Natural World, Not Pollute’, Felix W, The Downs Malvern

This category showcased remarkable artistic development, with Isabel T from The Downs Malvern taking first prize for her mixed media creation “Sustainable Change.” Her innovative use of collage over an acrylic painted background created what the judge described as “a very memorable and clear way of communicating our shared mission to improve sustainability.”

‘Sustainable Change’, Isobel T, The Downs Malvern

Special mentions included Hugo W’s vibrant work that reminded Dr. Carpenter van Barthold of renowned German-Swiss artist Hans Arp, and Coco X from Malvern College Chengdu, whose piece articulated the concept that “we’re all travellers on a spaceship” – our shared Earth. Stanislav M’s painting was given high praise for his ‘scumbling’ technique.

‘Primary Privilege’, Hugo W, The Downs Malvern

‘Star Traveller’, Coco X, Malvern College Chengdu

‘Two Sides of a Chessboard’, Stanislav M, The Downs Malvern

The senior category showed sophisticated artistic thinking and technical excellence. Adam B from Malvern College Egypt claimed first prize with “Roadkill,” earning praise for exceptional painting technique: “I really love the way you’ve captured the effect of light on that grass. It’s wonderful.”

‘Roadkill’, Adam B, Malvern College Egypt

The category featured diverse approaches, with highly commended works ranging from Zoe M’s (Qingdao) innovative contrast between cut and painted elements, to Hannah D’s compelling digital collage work, and Alfie C’s striking piece that the judge described as reminiscent of “computer game animation crossed with body horror” – demonstrating how traditional and digital media can be naturally blended. Highly commended awards were also given to Karson K for his vibrant mixed-media collage, Emilia C for her intricate print and Kevin T for his impressive oil painting.

‘Growth’, Zoey M, Malvern College Qingdao

‘Water’, Hannah D, Malvern College Qingdao

‘Aberrated Fleshmass’, Alfie C, Malvern College Hong Kong

‘James King’, Karson K, Malvern College Hong Kong

‘Deforestation 1’, Emilia C, Malvern College UK

‘Yosemite National Park’, Kevin T, Malvern College Qingdao

The overall competition winner, Vianna K from Malvern College Hong Kong, created “Genesis” – a work that exemplifies the sophisticated creative thinking we aim to develop in our pupils.

‘Genesis’, Vianna K, Malvern College Hong Kong

Dr. Carpenter van Barthold’s assessment perfectly captures why this piece stood out:

“I thought this was a subtle piece of work. It’s very engaging and it’s on message without presenting a closed interpretation. It’s open to different ways of seeing it, but it’s clear that it’s talking about the end effects of what the world would be like if we don’t maintain our efforts for sustainability.”

He also noted the work’s “fossil-like” and “alien” qualities that evoke both “the origins of life” and implications for our future – demonstrating the kind of nuanced creative thinking that is fostered within our pupils worldwide.

This competition represents far more than an art contest – it’s a demonstration of how internationally-minded education creates meaningful connections between students across continents. When a student in Hong Kong, another in Egypt, and a third in Chengdu all engage with the same critical theme, they’re not just creating art – they’re participating in global dialogue about shared challenges.

Looking Forward: Continuing the Creative Journey

Vianna K’s grand prize – a virtual mentoring masterclass with Dr. Carpenter van Barthold – proves to develop her experience and knowledge beyond the classroom, through learning with a top industry professional. This kind of expert mentorship prepares our pupils not just for success, but for leadership in their chosen fields.

The success of our Virtual Art Academy platform in facilitating this international collaboration points toward exciting possibilities for future cross-campus initiatives. By connecting creative minds across our global network, we’re building global citizens whilst fostering open-mindedness and collaborative skills.

Celebrating Every Voice: Recognition Across the Global Family

While we celebrate our winners, it’s important to acknowledge that every one of our pupils contributed to something larger than themselves. Each artwork represents a unique and thoughtful engagement with critical global issues, the development of creative skills, and participation in international dialogue.

This competition has established a new tradition that celebrates not just artistic achievement, but the ethos of a Malvern education: where we develop Communicators, Change Makers, Team Builders, Path Finders and Free Thinkers.