Cultivating Connections: Exploring Identity through Art

Asia Education Foundation in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) designed and facilitated a three-session professional learning series for BRIDGE educators to explore the role of art in expressing and understanding identity. Throughout these sessions, participants explored how art can capture and portray identity of partnership, and how art can be used to support disability and social inclusion in their classrooms.

BRIDGE educators were tasked with creating artwork to represent their identities in Indonesia and Australia. Elements of each teacher’s identity was incorporated into artworks to symbolise the characteristics of each BRIDGE partnership.

Risa Febriana Putri and B. Nining Kasturi

“Through these images, we hope that both countries can get to know each other better to strengthen our friendships."

SMP Islam Cendekia Cianjur, Cianjur, West Java and Mount Barker, Mount Barker, Community College, Western Australia

Artwork by Meta Gamanik

This image embodies the essence of global citizenship, symbolising the BRIDGE partnership between SMP Islam Cendekia Cianjur, West Java and Mount Barker Community College. Central to the artwork is intercultural understanding among students and fostering deep connections despite physical distances. Their partnership extends beyond professional duties, evolving into tight friendship bond between the two schools. The artwork created reflects the collective effort to promote meaningful dialogue and formulate solutions to global challenges, epitomizing the BRIDGE partnership they have.

SMPIT Istiqamah, Balikpapan, Kalimantan Timur and Avenues College, Windsor Gardens, South Australia

Artwork by Bintang Butar Butar and Sekar Arum

In this artwork, Ibu Bintang's Indonesian heritage is celebrated through her favourite childhood dish, Siomay. This dish Siomay evokes memories of Ibu Bintang's upbringing. Ibu Sekar's identity is symbolized by traditional Dayak beads, cherished by her for their cultural significance and sentimental value. These elements are integrated into the artwork, embodying the essence of their BRIDGE partnership with Avenues College in South Australia. Through their collaboration, these elements form a tapestry that represents the rich diversity and shared values of their partnership between Indonesia and Australia.

SDN Pancasila Lembang, Lembang, West Java and Port Lincoln Primary School, Port Lincoln, South Australia

Artwork by Glinka Mega Hingtutem

Inspired by a gift from Port Lincoln Primary School, this artwork intertwines seeds, spices, and ocean imagery to represent the partnership between West Java and South Australia. Ocean motifs, echoing Australian shores, paint a vivid picture of shared experiences through the BRIDGE school partnership program. Seeds and spices, symbolic of West Java, mirror the diversity and richness of their cultural heritage. A clay jug, a staple in daily life, embodies practicality and tradition. Together, these elements encapsulate the essence of their partnership's identity.

SMK Sepuluh Nopember Sidoarjo, Siwalanpanji, Jawa Timur and St Bede's College, Mentone, Victoria

Artwork by Citra Riptia Ningtyas

Infused with symbols from both cultures, this artwork celebrates the essence of the BRIDGE partnership between SMK Sepuluh Nopember Sidoarjo and St Bede's College. An AFL ball adorned with Jetis Sidoarjo Batik pattern pays homage to Indonesian and Australian cultural icons. Shrimp and milkfish, emblematic of Sidoarjo, dance alongside characteristic batik motifs. These elements, meticulously crafted, bridge the gap between their diverse identities, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation for their partnership.

SMA Padang 7, Padang, West Sumatra and SMP 4 Bebandem, Bungaya, Bali x Cardijn College, Noarlunga Downs, South Australia

Artwork by Mimi Thorpe and Nurjanah Anum

This logo represents unity and identity, crafted by Ibu Mimi and Ibu Nurjanah from SMA Padang 7 and SMP 4 Bebandem Bali. The logo intertwines symbols from Australia and Indonesia. Flags, colours, and the iconic kangaroo merge seamlessly, reflecting the essence of their partnership with Cardijn College in South Australia. Each element, carefully chosen, symbolizes the rich diversity and shared values of their schools, uniting them in a common pursuit of knowledge and understanding through partnership.

SMPN 6 Makassar, Makassar, South Sulawesi and Yankalilla Area School, Yankalilla, South Australia

Artwork by Penny Ellin

Drawing inspiration from oceanic lifestyles and Indonesian batik, this table design captures the vibrant essence of the partnership between SMPN 6 Makassar, South Sulawesi and Yankalilla AS, South Australia. Bright colours reflect the sunny climates of Makassar and Yankalilla, while marine motifs pay homage to South Sulawesi's rich sea life. Personal connections to the ocean, deeply rooted in Penny's identity, manifest in this vibrant artwork, symbolizing the shared heritage of their school communities.

SMAN 2 Batang, Batang, Central Java x MacKillop Catholic College, Johnston, Northern Territory

Artwork by Arie Dewie and Basuki Belanegara

Embracing Javanese and Australian cultural symbols, this artwork showcases the essence of the BRIDGE partnership between SMAN 2 Batang, Central Java and MacKillop Catholic College, Northern Territory. The classic kebaya kutu baru, adorned with Kangaroo motifs, epitomizes Javanese tradition and Australian identity together. Batik patterns intertwine with floral elements, symbolizing the diverse beauty of Indonesia and Australia. Through this fusion of cultural icons, they celebrate the rich tapestry of their school partnership.

SD Telkom Padang, Padang, West Sumatra and The Cottage School, Hobart, Tasmania

Artwork by Murniwati

This t-shirt design embodies the diverse identities of SD Telkom Padang and The Cottage School, Tasmania within the BRIDGE program. Weaving together symbols from Indonesia and Australia, icons like "Jam Gadang" and "Kuao Rajo" celebrate West Sumatra's cultural richness, while Australian flags and the Koala represent Australia's heritage. Through this mosaic of symbols, they honour the unique identities that unite them in their BRIDGE partnership.

SD Unggulan Hamzanwadi, Lombok, East Nusa Tenggara Timur x St. Helens District High School, St Helens, Tasmania

Artwork by Risa Febriana Putri and B. Nining Kasturi

Crafted from besek, a traditional Indonesian craft, this artwork pays homage to SD Unggulan Hamzanwadi’s and x St. Helens District High School’s shared cultural heritage by the ocean. Adorned with flora and fauna present in West Nusa Tenggara and in Tasmania, the artwork symbolizes the interconnectedness of their diverse identities. Besek, a symbol of rural life, embodies sustainability and tradition. Through this artwork, they celebrate the rich bond of their partnership.

SMPIT Nurul Fikri Bogor, Bogor, West Java x St Mary's Primary School, Moruya, New South Wa

SMP Islam Fitrah Al Fikri, West Java x St Mary's Primary School, Moruya, New South Wales

Artwork by Yuni Ifayati and Lina Faulina

Combining symbols from Indonesia and Australia, this artwork by Yuni Ifayati and Lina Faulina epitomizes the essence of their school’s partnership with St Mary's Primary School Moruya, New South Wales. Mega mendung batik, a symbol of West Java's cultural heritage, merges with the iconic kangaroo, representing Australia's identity. Vibrant colours reflect the unique landscapes and experiences of Moruya, enriching their shared narrative. Through this symbolic fusion, they celebrate the diversity and unity of their partnership.

SDN 243 Cicabe, Cicabe, West Java and Geraldton Primary School, Geraldton, Western Australia

Artwork by John Bass and Asep Rohmat

In this artwork, Pak Asep emerges from the land, embodying his indigenous Sundanese heritage. The sky, reminiscent of mega mendung batik from Tanah Sunda, serves as a backdrop. Pak Asep's identity is multifaceted, rooted in his Sundanese family, symbolized as the base layer. Overlaying this is Islamic faith, depicted by the crescent moon and star. Indonesian nationality is represented through the colors of the flag. Conversely, Pak John, a non-Indigenous Australian, appears disconnected from the land, seeking connection by gazing skyward to the southern cross. The ocean, with its historical significance and familial ties, also shapes his identity. Together, these elements intricately weave the unique identity of this school partnership.