Next year’s graduating class is even more excited than usual about wearing the Year 12 jersey. Artwork created by Year 11 Noongar woman Shakana Foley will be featured on the armband of the 2022 design.
As Shakana's Indigenous artwork began to take shape with the software on her computer, her friends watched in fascination. It was a pet project. Not for school—she doesn't even do Art at school—and certainly not intended for public consumption.
But then as it developed and they were stunned by the intricacy and symbolism, they encouraged Shakana to approach College principal Mrs Entermann and Year 12 coordinator Mrs Matthews to ask if her design could be included on the Year 12 jersey.
They said yes. On one condition. If Shakana could have the design ready to go before the Year 12 jersies were printed, it would be included on the armband.
Taking this responsibility onboard, Shakana packed as much meaning into her design as possible, finally completing it and writing her artist’s statement in time.
Brisbane Adventist College is situated on Indigenous grounds and recognised by the Jagera People as a traditional place of learning. To the school, the design represents our intention to continually foster inclusion and reconciliation. The design will not only appear on the Year 12 jersey but will take pride of place on the brand-new Secondary building opening soon and also on the wall of a Primary building.
“TOGETHER”
Artist’s Statement by Shakana Foley
My artwork tells the story of the Brisbane Adventist College community.
The feet inside the circle represent our journey together and learning as one. The circle is filled with earth-coloured dots in different sizes, symbolising our developing understanding and character.
The centre of the artwork has several layers of meaning. Firstly, it represents our diverse staff and students sitting together, sharing, learning, and listening. This is what makes our school community strong.
Secondly, the symbols remind us that we meet on the traditional lands of the Jagera people, who used these grounds for hunting echidna and sitting by campfires. They are the first community.
Lastly, the two symbols on each side of the gathering represent stars in the night sky. I placed them there to remind us of God, who has always watched over His people in the same way that He does today. BAC is where we experience God’s presence in our classrooms, in our chapel programs, and in the playground. As John 15:12 says, "Love one another as I have loved you."
