The 2021 National Reconciliation Week theme graphics are drawn from the artwork Action by Jessica Johnson.
The artwork reflects our connection and mutual obligation to one another, community and Country. Through commonality and difference, we have the ability to come together and achieve real change.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been listening to the heart beat of the land and seafor generations. With their rainbow shaped souls the spirits ask for us to join and make reconciliation more than a word, take action. We need to love one another and every aspect of the existing environment and community – we all have a role to play.
We are the change.
This artwork was commissioned by Reconciliation Australia in association with 33 Creative who advised on and managed the theme creation and development.
Elements of the artwork include
- Spirit souls = thinking/awareness
- The undulating landscape is shown through the contours at the base of the artwork.
- Moons/planet = Represent cycle and time.
- Stars = Navigation and knowing the way.
- Boomerang = Coming full circle. 20 boomerangs represent the 20 years of Reconciliation Australia.
- Reflection = Reflecting on our actions.
- Central river = The crying river represents the degradation and needed renewal. The land is suffering from inaction.
2021 Artist
Jessica Johnson is a descendent of the Warumungu/Wombaya people north of Tennant Creek.
Born on Larrakia Country, Jessica spent her formative years among the diverse community of Canberra on Ngambri/ Ngunnawal Country.
Now residing in Sydney, Gadigal country Jessica is an established designer, artist and owner of Nungala Creative. Her work often reflects the nostalgia of her youth, an era of passionate united community committed to realising equality and justice for First Nations peoples.
Jessica attributes much of her creative practice to her late father who was a contemporary Aboriginal artist and a political activist in his own right. She belongs to an extended creative family who use art through all aspects of life, much of which is healing.
As an artist, Jessica works across mediums and methodologies. Renowned for her experimental aesthetic, she uses her work to address issues of injustice and celebrate culture and people through her recognisably bright positive aesthetic.
Jessica explains, “There’s an obvious appeal to bright vibrant colours and positivity but for me it often comes from a challenging place of addressing the harsh realities of being Aboriginal in a largely racist society who deny us our belonging, authority and struggle.
“Much of my work has developed organically as a therapeutic response to managing and combating the external and sometimes internalised stigmas and experiences. “
