Nothing will have you appreciating breathing like a deadly pandemic.
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But before the outbreak of COVID-19, one Albury teenager joined the ranks of musicians, sportspeople and meditators in studying the action closely.
Lara Wighton began her HSC visual arts work at Xavier High School in 2019 and it is now touring NSW as part of ARTEXPRESS.
"I really liked the idea of trying to make breathing into something visible," she said.
"Then, come COVID, it became pretty relevant.
"From the top of the artwork to the bottom, it's showcasing the first breath to the last breath and everything in between.
"I showcased both the environment and internal and emotional state has the capacity to shape our breath, whether we realise it or not."
The Jindera 18-year-old, who graduated in 2020, was able to see her work 'Drawing Breath' on show at the Art Galley of NSW earlier in the year.
It was one of 48 artworks selected from 8617 student works submitted for the 2020 HSC.
"I got an email about it and I was pretty speechless," Ms Wighton said.
"They don't really tell you why yours was chosen; my focus was on breathing and and maybe with COVID, that was part of the reason.
"My family didn't get to see it when it was up at school, so we took a family trip to the gallery a few months ago."
Sixty paper bags are embellished with symbolic design and Ms Wighton brought one to life by putting two computer fans on a circuit, sucking air in and blowing it out.
"Art was my favourite subject at school ... but I wouldn't consider myself an artist as such," she said.
"I fell into it - my Dad was always really good at drawing.
"Finishing year 12 was definitely a relief, but I think with everything that happened, it was even more rewarding when it was finished."
The 360-degree immersive experience adds to the sequenced exhibitions in ARTEXPRESS that take place over 11 months.
Art Gallery of NSW director Michael Brand congratulated students when the exhibition opened in February in Sydney.
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"The high standard of work on show is a testament to the tremendous talent and resilience of students and teachers in NSW who adapted to change and overcame challenges - from bushfires to the pandemic - to complete their studies," he said.
The exhibition began in Sydney in the late 1950s and has been exhibited at the Art Gallery of NSW since 1983.
The annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition is a joint partnership between the gallery, the NSW Education Standards Authority and NSW Department of Education.
