One cursory glance at Axel Wood and it’s not a stretch to glean the teenager has grown up a rugby player.

As his schoolboy rugby life drew to a close last year, the Hale School graduate chose brush and canvas to contextualise both the brutal battleground and the camaraderie that it necessitates.

The resultant three-piece portrait is a reflection on his schoolboy rugby chapter — a time marked by injuries and mental exhaustion mixed with worthwhile wins and adrenaline-filled championship games.

“It explores rugby not just as a sport, but as a metaphor for conflict, resilience, and unity,” Wood said of his artwork, which is one of 60 reflective works by young artists now on display in this year’s The West Australian Pulse exhibition.

“Using a Cubist-inspired style, the work employs distortion and rugged marks to reflect the intensity, motion, and physicality of the game.

“Across the panels, moments of pressure, reflection, and solidarity play out, addressing both on-field confrontation and off-field mental discipline and comradery.

“Together, they emphasise that rugby is not just about brute force, but also about protection, trust, and unity.”

The West Australian Pulse has become a platform for the oft-hidden talent of up-and-coming creatives across the State.

This year’s collection of works from Year 12 Visual Arts graduates explores concepts of self-identity, ranging from culture, sexuality and mental health to social inequality and environmental concern.

Wood completed his time-consuming Pray for Peace, Prepare for War, oil-on-canvas over eight months in his final year at Hale School.

“The biggest challenge was finding time and sacrificing classes such as my study periods, lunches, long weekends to come and get cracking on with my work,” he said.

The annual exhibition, ongoing at The Art Gallery of WA until September, is an opportunity for artists to showcase a side of themselves they may have kept tucked away — something Wood, who now juggles studying psychology at UWA with working as a landscaper, says he is excited for.

“It’s quite a special feeling as I get to be seen for a side of me that is usually quite hidden,” the 19-year-old said.

“As a kid, I was constantly doodling on the backs of tests, drawing on walls, and sketching whenever I was bored. In fact, I only studied art for one year during my entire schooling journey.”

“To any primary or high school student who thinks they aren’t capable of achieving something like getting into Pulse, think again. I’m proof that you don’t need years of experience to achieve great things.”

This year’s works were selected by a judging panel including AGWA associate curator of contemporary art Isobel Wise, artist Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, and principal consultant of visual arts at School Curriculum and Standards Authority Lisa Bowden.

A total of 63 works by students from 43 schools across Western Australia were chosen — a selection of works Wise said features deep and deliberative perspectives.

“Pulse offers a remarkable window into the cultural, social and personal landscapes shaping young people today,” she said.

“The works selected this year are thoughtful, inventive and deeply engaged with the world — reflecting not only artistic skill, but also courage, curiosity, and critical awareness.”

The West Australian Pulse 2026 is at The Art Gallery of WA until September 13.