BELANJEE
Bringing visual knowledge of Country to recreate an authenticity to place
Belanjee embraces the visual and interconnected worlds on both traditional and contemporary knowledges associated with arts, health and healing.
Holding a PhD in Indigenous Knowledges within Creativity and Design, Belanjee integrates Indigenous Knowledges into every aspect of her work.
Her work responds to healing Country from a spiritual perspective.
The artist invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with the land and encourages a dialogue about the importance of caring for Country. Themes include the cyclical nature of life, the interdependence of all living things, and the need for reconciliation between people and the land. By using storytelling as a medium, Belanjee communicates the narratives of traditional ecological knowledge, promoting cultural revitalisation and awareness. Such works serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual and cultural dimensions of healing Country and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Education
2014
PhD Indigenous Creative Knowledge
University of Newcastle
This research degree centers on the exploration, preservation, and innovation of Indigenous cultural expressions and knowledge systems through creative practices, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous perspectives, methodologies, and cultural contexts. It involved a combination of theoretical and practical research, that deeply engaged with Indigenous narratives, art forms, storytelling, and cultural practices.
2011-2014
Post Grad. Indigenous Social Health
Macquarie University
Studying social/emotional health and wellbeing issues affecting Indigenous communities.
Art is not merely an aesthetic endeavour; it is a repository of knowledge that speaks to the depths of human experience. Through its various forms artmaking encapsulates the complexities of our emotions, cultures, and histories, serving as a vital means of communication and understanding. In this sense, art transcends language, allowing us to convey and explore emotional landscapes that words often struggle to articulate.
The act of creating art engages both the spirit and mind, fostering a unique interplay between cognitive thought and emotional expression. When we immerse ourselves in the creative process, we tap into our imaginative consciousness inviting us to confront our feelings, reflect on our experiences, and embrace the fullness of our existence.
Engaging with creativity fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. It makes the intangible tangible in ways that words alone cannot convey.
Creativity is a human experience that fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. In a world where many struggle with feelings of isolation and disconnection, the act of creating and appreciating art taps into a universal language that unites us, breaking through barriers of culture, language, and experience.
Creative methods of making and perceiving go beyond simple artistic expression; they embody narrative knowledge infused with cultural and spiritual significance. Each brushstroke, sculpted object, or design carries a story, a history, and a connection to the cultural context from which it originates. This narrative dimension transcends the mere communication of ideas; it becomes a means of sharing experiences and collective memories, allowing individuals to reconnect with themselves and others.
Engaging with creativity as the maker or viewer serves as a catalyst for healing, transforming the intangible into the tangible. By rendering the unseen visible, creativity invites self-reflection, enabling us to confront and examine our feelings, thoughts, and memories.
Exhibitions
Creativity in Public Spaces