The King’s ARTspeak 2026

What can a single artwork tell us about the world? The King’s ARTspeak 2026 challenges Senior School students to choose an artwork, artefact, or piece of architecture they are genuinely passionate about, and use it to explore something meaningful beyond the canvas. Inspired by the UK-based ARTiculation Prize, the competition pushes students to move beyond description and into real inquiry: independent research, structured argument, and confident public speaking.

This year's finalists, Ava, Nara, and Perm Year 8, each brought their own lens: the value of a story and the perception of time. Well done to all three on a remarkable achievement.

• Ava Year 8 | King’s ARTspeak 2026
  Can destroying a work of art make it more valuable? In her ARTspeak presentation, Ava explores the story of Love is in the Bin, the artwork that famously shredded itself moments after being sold at auction as an anti-capitalist protest. She examines the irony that the act of destruction dramatically increased its value, asking whether it is the artwork itself, or the story behind it, that we truly value.

• Nara Year 8 | King’s ARTspeak 2026
  What does it mean to create something you will never see completed? In her ARTspeak presentation, Nara explores the remarkable story of the builders of Cologne Cathedral, who dedicated their lives to a project that would outlast them by centuries. She reflects on patience, purpose and ambition, asking whether humanity still possesses the willingness to create for a future we may never witness.

• Perm | King’s ARTspeak 2026
  Why is Western art and culture so widely taught, while Chinese art and culture are often overlooked? In his ARTspeak presentation, Perm explores the historical and cultural influences that have shaped art education worldwide, encouraging audiences to reconsider whose stories are remembered and whose are forgotten.

#WisdomTakesYouFurther #KingsBangkok #FulfillingGreatDreamswithGreatHearts #KingsCollege #AGreatHeartTakesYouFurther #SeniorSchool #KingsArtspeak