St Laurence’s College (located in South Brisbane, Queensland) is proud to announce the 2022 Reconciliation Action Plan Artwork titled ‘Journey of Knowledge’. On Wednesday 4 May, College Principal Mr Chris Leadbetter unveiled this artwork to the community following the Edmund Rice Feast Day celebrations. It was an honour for the ‘Journey of Knowledge’ to receive a blessing from Auxiliary Bishop Tim Norton SVD, who presided over the event.
As the most recent addition to the College’s rich artistic portfolio, the ‘Journey of Knowledge’ offers a unique perspective on the Lauries Journey. Distinct to the vision of St Laurence’s College, the Lauries Journey seeks to empower young boys as they become young men. The ‘Journey of Knowledge’ illustrates that this journey is not one we walk alone; it is through developing meaningful relationships with teachers, peers and the Lauries community at large, that real learning takes place.
The Process
The ‘Journey of Knowledge’ embodies strong themes of community and growth, which are reflective of its design and compilation process. In 2019, then Year 11 student Asher Salam (Yalanji/Mualgal) painted a piece for an Arts in Practice project. This artwork was then built upon in 2020, in recognition of National Reconciliation Week – students and staff all adding their fingerprints in solidarity. Asher and his father Riki Salem (Yalanji/Mualgal), have since reimagined this image digitally, to reflect themes of Reconciliation in 2022.
The Story
At the base of the artwork lies the Hill. This motif represents the greater community. From near and far, meaningful relationships with families, friends, businesses and Catholic entities are essential to the everyday life of the College. Above the Hill is a circular Meeting Place, which depicts the St Laurence’s College ‘Light on the Hill’. Surrounding this image are u-shaped symbols which portray people seated together. 10 different Houses (symbolised by 10 different colours) come together to learn, live, teach and grow.
From the Meeting Place, the Tree of Knowledge grows tall. It is surrounded by the River, which flows knowledge from fresh and salt water. In duality, the Turrbal
(North) and Jagera (South) sides of the River also represent the Greater Brisbane (Meeanjin) landscape, accompanied by arch-shaped mountains and hills. These cultural pathways are coloured by each House of the St Laurence’s College community. Moreover, the wavey lines which spur from these landscapes illustrate each of the eight-year levels present at the College.
In recognition of the Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstones (Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity, Gospel Spirituality and Liberating Education), large stars line the top of the artwork. The biggest of these stars represents the St Laurence’s College vision of an authentic Catholic community, celebrated in the Edmund Rice tradition. To live justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8) remains central to ‘Journey of Knowledge’.
Implementing the Reconciliation Artwork at St Laurence’s College
‘Journey of Knowledge’ both illustrates and reinforces St Laurence’s College’s commitment to reconciliation. As a College, we recognise our duty to act with respect and compassion, in the classroom and beyond. The themes raised in this artwork challenge us to adopt the teachings of the Edmund Rice tradition and put our faith into action.
Special thanks to We are 27 Creative for the commission of this piece. Across 2022 and beyond, St Laurence’s College intends to implement ‘Journey of Knowledge’ to its fullest potential in our community. A link to view the artwork and its elements is available here https://bit.ly/3u0BBiv