Words Beyond Language
Pupils explored the power of words and turned their own voices into multidimensional artwork using ‘cymatics’, spray paint, acrylic prints, etching and text.
Artist Nathan Holt worked with 20 Key Stage 3 and 4 students at pupil referral unit, Lionheart School, ‘recording’ their voices visually through ‘cymatics’ and spectrogram experiments, to help them think about the way they express themselves and better understand the impact of their words. The project focused on three key strands: vocabulary, voice and confidence in speaking, recognising that improved ‘oracy’ (fluent and effective communication) is linked to better mental health and academic achievements.
The images created from the frequencies and subsequent vibrational patterns of their words, were developed into eight striking multidimensional artworks using spray paint, acrylic prints, etching and text for an exhibition at Quay Arts in Newport throughout August 2025.
Youth voice is at the heart of the Young Cultural Changemakers programme and this project is an extension of ‘No Decisions About Us Without Us’ a literacy/oracy/advocacy collaboration between Barton Primary School and creatives Adam Gaterell and Jess Ong, which created protest songs and poetry and T‑shirts and cartoons that were also exhibited at Quay Arts.
Once again I am so impressed with the brilliant artworks produced by the Lionheart students. This project required focusing on complex subjects and summoning the courage to speak out in a positive way. Having the artworks exhibited on the Quay Arts’ cafe wall is testament to the student’s courageous creativity and admirable dedication.