Today was a very special day for the competition ‘In Someone else’s Shoes’. Because it was a in-person’s judging day, where the judges come together in our office building and discuss the few of the artworks/poetry that are tie on certain places. There are first, second, third place, plus an honourable mention.

The judging was held at the conference room and we prepared basic catering such as sandwiches and confectioneries alike. Around 12:30, the judges arrived and by 1, it officially began with a brief introduction what NSI has done through last year to now, then going through selected poems, and art in age category. If there was a tie in any place, it’d be stopped and open up for a debate.

Before starting, there was a moment when everyone in turn go around and introduce themselves explaining their contribution. Today wasn’t my day, as my turn gets closer and closer I had an instant panic attack, there was nothing in my head but ‘I can’t do this’, ‘I don’t want to be here’ but ‘I don’t want to mess this up’. My head became white and I requested to my superior who was next to me to change seat with me. At first she seemed confused, but she accepted my request and gave her hand for me to hold. She noticed that I was shaking. By the time it was my time to say, I did decently, at least didn’t ruin everything with my unstable state. I think perhaps because I was holding her hand, which I’m thankful for.

Several things I noticed during the judging were: first of all, obvious but how versatile each perspective is. There were some thing I didn’t agree with, however, seeing each opposed opinions clash with each other therefore creating a debating discussion stood out to me most -but I was told later that last year was full of heated arguments. I remember when it was deciding the honourable mention on 14-16 age art category, one of the judges firmly emphasised that he can’t chose one between the two (there were three pieces but there were two that held stronger elements) and both of them should be chosen. His sternness earned a jointed honourable mention which I felt his genuine interest and passion for the works conveyed and it made an impression on me.

Aside from judging which work should be chosen, there were other subjects arise along the discussion, such as AI, as one of the judge suspected a usage in in a poem that in discussion and the other judge claimed unless if there was a clear evidence it shouldn’t be confronted. Also, there was a concern around the blurred boundaries in the works created from workshops, projects led by a teachers. In which led to the potential affect on adult’s involvement on the piece. I thought it was interesting but I was disheartened because of that reason, the piece I liked was let go of.

By 3 O’clock, all the judging has officially ended. In overview, it was interesting to see the process on how judging works. But from this I also realised once again, art is subjective and considering most of the works I rooted for were either not even selected or not been picked shows that not been included doesn’t indicate the work has less value or quality. My taste is very different to most people in the room today and vice versa, and it’s just an inevitable truth. But I was happy that children’s hard works have been shown and be represented.

A side note, a nice old gentleman with vivid blue three piece suit with grey coat who came as a judge brings a cake for us baked by his wife. Apparently he does it every year but however, no one is keen on it. But the cake was very cute with icing decoration of the Easter bunny with NSI name in it. Frankly I liked the cake, but when they told me to take all, I was bit hesitant as it was too much for me…