First RAP Artwork
Since becoming an artist I had not opened myself up to doing artworks for Reconciliation Action Plans. I told myself that if I agree to do RAP artwork, it would be with an organisation or company that would support my own values as an Aboriginal woman and doctor. As a doctor, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) is our union - our biggest advocator for us as a medical workforce. So, when the AMA reached out and asked if I would be willing to do an artwork for their first reconciliation action plan, I knew this was a project I could support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health is my biggest passion. To improve the lives and health of our People we need organisations like the AMA to step up and work with our communities. That thought is what drove the design for this artwork.
I started with the blue line in the centre to represent the AMA and the journey of Reconciliation. The blue colours in the centre are also deliberate. I chose blue to represent the AMA. I placed the 'u' symbol representing people people, to reflect people within the AMA - staff, members etc. The white line represents and Torres Strait Islander People and communities. The small concentric blue circles represents the different organisations the AMA works with. The large blue concentric circles represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. The blue line and the white line intersect to show how the work the AMA does intersects with our Communities. I did two white lines on the outside with pink concentric circles to present communities again. I isolated them to show that any work towards reconciliation has to be intentional. Organisations must reach out to communities. The large 'u' shapes behind represent our Ancestors, our knowledge and history. To further highlight that Reconciliation is about collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. We have the knowledge to know what works for our communities.
This is what I wrote for the AMA,
The design was intentional to represent how the work done by the AMA and partnered organisations intersects with the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. When I was designing this painting, I wanted to highlight that while the work may intersect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, when reflecting upon Reconciliation, the work must be intentional. The heart of Reconciliation is working with and acknowledging the strength and knowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples possess. It’s about collaboration.
It's been exciting sitting on this information and I am so glad I can finally share it with you. To see more information on the AMA RAP, visit the AMA website.
Jean x
