JCCA Gifted and Talented Visual Arts Graduates Shine at Pulse 2025
Three extraordinary young artists from our Gifted and Talented Visual Arts Program have been selected for one of Western Australia’s most prestigious art showcases—The West Australian Pulse 2025 at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA).
Now in its 33rd year, Pulse features 61 powerful works by graduating Year 12 artists from across the state. This year’s exhibition explores themes of identity, mental health, human connection, cultural heritage, and personal transformation—through the lens of emerging creatives.
Freya Byrne Wins Inaugural Young Visual Artist Award
We are especially proud of Freya Byrne, a graduate of the Gifted and Talented Visual Arts Program, who has been named the winner of the first-ever Pulse Catalyst – Young Visual Artist Award at the 2025 West Australian Pulse exhibition.
This newly introduced award recognises exceptional creative vision, technical excellence, and the ability to communicate profound concepts through visual art. Selected by the Art Education Association of Western Australia, the judging panel noted the emotional depth and poetic symbolism in Freya’s mix-media artwork, Aeonian.
“I wasn’t expecting it. I’m really happy, and I’m really proud, and I’m very thankful to everyone who helped me along the way.”
— Freya Byrne, JCCA Graduate
Aeonian explores the enduring threads of human connection through natural patterns like fingerprints and spirals. It reflects on how time, identity, and love are interwoven—not as linear events but as cyclical, universal forces.
“It’s all about how humanity is supposed to always interact with each other… everything’s connected.”
This award not only recognises Freya’s individual talent but also highlights the strength of the John Curtin College of the Arts’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of visual storytellers. As the inaugural recipient, Freya sets a powerful precedent for future young artists across Western Australia.
Tommy Petkovich Explores Mental Health Through Surreal Self-Portraiture
Tommy Petkovich presents Burden of the Invisible, a surreal and emotionally charged self-portrait that explores the inner chaos of mental health. With biomorphic forms and visceral textures, his work invites viewers into the psychological realities of young people today.
📣 Look out for Tommy’s upcoming feature in The West Australian this Sunday.
Jamie Churchill Captures the Beauty and Fragility of Year 12
Jamie Churchill exhibits Unravelling, a delicate and striking textile sculpture crafted from cotton thread, copper wire, and entomology pins. The piece evokes the emotional complexity of the final school year—its pressures, transformations, and quiet triumphs.
Experience the Exhibition at AGWA
The West Australian Pulse 2025 exhibition is open from May 3 to August 31 at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the stories and visions of WA’s next generation of visual artists.
“The beauty of the Pulse exhibition is that it allows audiences to see inside the minds of young people and the things that matter to them.”
— Assunta Meleca, AGWA Education Specialist
“We’ve got a rich harvest in the 61 pieces of art that have been chosen… it really is amazing.”
— Simone McGurk, Minister for Creative Industries
Proud Representatives of JCCA’s Creative Excellence
We celebrate Freya, Tommy, and Jamie for their remarkable achievements and for representing the values, talent, and depth of our Gifted and Talented Visual Arts Program.
Plan Your Visit
🗓️ Pulse 2025 Exhibition
📍 Art Gallery of Western Australia
🕒 May 3 – August 31
➡️ Learn more about our Gifted and Talented Visual Arts Program and how we nurture future creative leaders.
Credit/Sources: All quotes and image Freya Byrne with her artwork Aeonian and references are drawn from The West Australian newspaper, published May 4, 2025.
