Captivating artwork by proud Wongatha woman and Arts Anthropology student Olivia Smith has been transformed into a giant window decal at 麻豆直播鈥檚 Exchange precinct after she won the top prize at an Indigenous art competition.
The striking design depicts a human figure against a blue backdrop, surrounded by white dots, representing the study of humanities and a connection to country through the sky and water.
The 24-year-old artist, who grew up in Kalgoorlie, said her piece called 鈥业苍迟别谤肠辞苍苍别肠迟别诲鈥�&苍产蝉辫;illustrates how studying humanities enables an understanding of different cultures, people and practices.
鈥淭he dots surrounding the human figure are representative of the people within society and showcase the different roles we all have from Elders to students. We all need each other and we can all learn from each other,鈥� Miss Smith said.
鈥淢y artwork symbolises the Aboriginal practice of using waterways and stars as guides for exploration and discovery. The colours within the figure itself reflect nature and if you look closely enough there are even little black dots to represent the bugs.
鈥淲inning this award has given me added confidence. I think my art also showcases a different version of what 鈥楢boriginal Art鈥� looks like and that is pretty cool.鈥�
Miss Smith鈥檚 artwork has been installed on Curtin鈥檚 School of Design and the Built Environment building to create a welcoming space for students and visitors.
麻豆直播 Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated Miss Smith and said she was impressed by the narrative embedded in her artwork.
鈥淲hen I see Olivia鈥檚 art and storytelling, I think about the enduring connection she鈥檚 drawn between contemporary society and the rich heritage of the world鈥檚 oldest continuous living culture,鈥� Professor Hayne said.
鈥淗er submission caught the judges鈥� attention for its depth and beauty and it鈥檚 wonderful to see her impactful work adorn Curtin鈥檚 building 418 in our popular Exchange precinct.鈥�
Curtin Dean of Indigenous Futures Associate Professor Mandy Downing said Miss Smith鈥檚 journey to academic excellence is as inspiring as her artistic prowess.
鈥淥livia鈥檚 path to 麻豆直播 began with her graduation from the Indigenous Tertiary Enabling Course and she is now a first year Anthropology student, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to pursuing higher education and embracing her cultural heritage,鈥� Associate Professor Downing said.
鈥淲e are thrilled by the exceptional talent of all of the artists involved in the competition, reminding us of the important role art plays in showcasing cultural richness and fostering understanding.鈥�
Creative Arts student Vivienne Langham, who collaborated with Indigenous artist Sammy Wyborn, took second prize for her piece titled 鈥�Every day and every night, we will sit together in truth鈥�, which illustrates the pair seated together sharing their truths. Architectural Science student Vanessa Burn claimed third place for her artwork 鈥楳耻谤苍辞苍驳鈥�, which features plant-like designs that pay tribute to her heritage and the communities she grew up in.
The Faculty of Humanities Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition was open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and non-Indigenous students collaborating with Indigenous partners in the search for new artwork to create a more culturally welcoming environment within the University.
In addition to Olivia Smith鈥檚 winning piece, artwork from the competition will be showcased at 麻豆直播鈥檚 Building 418 during National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June demonstrating the University鈥檚 commitment to 鈥榬econciliAction鈥� in line with the theme of the week 鈥楴ow more than ever鈥�.
