This collection of artworks by Year 8-10 students showcases the vibrant personal experiences and cultural identities of Marsden State Highschool Students. Each piece reflects the students' unique memories and experiences through cultural symbols, contributing to their heritage. Cultures represented include the Cook Islands, Australian, Japanese, Hmong, Gujarati/Hindi, and Cambodian. This project blends heritage with the Marsden student's personal experiences to form a broader Australian identity. A common motif is the Logan River, symbolising community connections and weaving through each artwork to illustrate the interconnectedness of the students' lives. The symbols reflect personal journeys, highlighting family traditions, cultural practices, and everyday life in the Marsden community. These artworks celebrate the past, present, and future, inviting the audience to explore and understand the deep connections that unite our diverse community.
Design 1: Bonnet
Artist : Mahi Patel (Yr. 11)
Title of Artwork:
Connection
Medium: Acrylic Paint
Year: 2024
This piece was created to express and embrace my cultural identity, while spreading positivity through bright colours and floral designs. As a student at Marsden State High, my artwork reflects both my personal heritage and the diverse Logan community. My artwork represents symbolisms from Hindu culture, with the peacock as the focal point, symbolising strength, power, immortality, and protection from evil. The lotus background, which symbolises prosperity and wealth, serves as a connection to Goddess Laxmi. I used an abstract mandala design to capture the viewer's attention and draw them into the intricate details of my heritage. The rivers in the piece symbolise the connections that unite us, blending cultural differences into a shared experience. Through my artwork, I aim to show how cultural diversity strengthens both individual identity and our collective Australian identity, especially in the Marsden community. It is a celebration of unity, where the vibrancy of different cultures flows together, enriching our shared experience.
Design 2: Car door one (Front):
Artists: Elaine and Lorita Kang (Yr. 8 & Yr. 9)
Title:
Colours of Emotion
Medium: Mixed Media
Year: 2024
Our self-portraits use bright abstract colours to represent the range of emotions we experience, from joy and hope to reflection and growth. The animals in our artwork each carry symbolic meaning tied to both our Cambodian heritage and our personal stories. The butterfly symbolises transformation and personal growth, reflecting how we've evolved in both our cultural identity and our sense of self within the Marsden community. The sparrows represent freedom and community, as they often travel in flocks, symbolizing the strong connections we share with our family and friends. The goose, known for its loyalty and guidance, represents the bond between us as sisters, as well as the guidance we've received from our community as we grow into our identities. The cow, adorned with traditional golden Cambodian headwear, serves as a tribute to our cultural roots and the importance of agriculture in Cambodian life. In our artwork, it also symbolises the nurturing and resilient spirit of the Cambodian people. By integrating this image into our piece, we connect the traditions of our heritage with the multicultural fabric of the Logan-Marsden community, where diverse cultural practices come together to enrich our shared Australian identity. Through this artwork, we aim to celebrate both our Cambodian culture and the inclusivity of the Marsden community, where every background is valued, and personal stories are embraced.
Design 3: Car door two (Back):
Artist: Rhylee Morrison (Yr. 10)
Title:
Control of the Heart
Medium: Mixed Media
Year: 2024
My artwork reflects childhood nostalgia growing up in Logan, Australia. The house and front yard symbolise the simplicity and warmth of my early years. The two children with PS3 controller heads represent my brother and me, and the fond yet complex memories of playing video games together. The controllers symbolise the playful yet competitive nature of our relationship—how we would fight over games but still cherish those moments. The giant hand resting gently on the house symbolises protection and comfort, representing the safe environment of home that I remember. At the centre of the yard, a glowing anatomical heart serves as a symbol of connection, love, and the emotional bond we shared, despite our differences. This heart stands between the children, capturing the heart of our relationship and the innocence of those childhood days. Through this surreal piece, I explore the bittersweet longing for simpler times, while also reflecting on the enduring emotional connections that shaped my childhood.
Design 4: Car door three
Artist: Phoenix Videns (Yr. 10)
Title:
Waves of Heritage
Medium: Mixed Media
Year: 2024
My artwork reflects my mixed Cook Island and Japanese heritage through an abstract wave filled with traditional Cook Island patterns. The wave represents the fluidity of my identity, carrying the history and culture of both sides of my family. Frangipani flowers symbolize the Cook Island connection to nature, beauty, and resilience, while the surreal floating koi fish represent strength, perseverance, and the journey of overcoming challenges. The Japanese torii gate and red sun symbolize the spiritual and cultural strength of my Japanese roots, with the sun representing life and energy. This piece also reflects the diverse Logan-Marsden community, where different cultures merge, like the patterns in my wave, creating a unified yet complex identity. Through this artwork, I celebrate the blend of traditions that shape who I am and the shared values of resilience and connection in my community.
Design 5: Car door four
Artist: Cheng Xiong (Yr. 10)
Title:
The Flowing Culture and History of Hmong People
Medium: Pencils, Coloured Pencils
Year: 2024
As part of the Marsden community, my artwork represents the inclusivity and acceptance of different cultures. It focuses on Hmong heritage, highlighting the struggles and resilience of my people. The Mekong River symbolizes the hope for a better life during the Vietnam War, when many Hmong people crossed it seeking refuge, often at great personal risk. The rice fields represent the Hmong people's main food source, a symbol of survival and perseverance. The figure of the Shaman in my artwork is a spiritual guide, chosen to protect the Hmong people from harm. Through this piece, I aim to share the beauty and history of Hmong culture, which is often overlooked. By contributing to the rich diversity of Marsden, I hope to raise awareness of our traditions and struggles, showcasing how they contribute to the wider Australian identity.