Banam Bowai Program
The Southport School (TSS)
The Thirty Two holds Indigenous causes close to its heart. The Thirty Two is proud to have pledged support towards the Indigenous Banam Bowai Program at The Southport School (TSS) for 2023.
The Program provides support to Indigenous students through a variety of forms, while allowing them to also maintain and explore their cultural roots through such initiatives as a Yarning Circle.
Women in Arts Scholarship
The Thirty Two × St Hilda’s School
The Thirty Two is a dental studio that celebrates artistic expression. We believe art has the ability to influence and inspire not only the individual, but the broader community, and humanity as whole.
With this in mind, The Thirty Two Foundation has pledged a full Visual Arts Scholarship at St Hilda’s School, to take a young woman through from years 10 to 12. Through this endeavour we hope to provide a young woman with the opportunity and resources that will assist her in working towards a brighter future not only for herself but also the broader community as we seek to nourish and cultivate the burgeoning arts scene on the Gold Coast through the St Hilda's Scholarship Program.
Candidates were asked to submit a piece relating to The Thirty Two’s aphorism, ‘Embrace the You’, and provide an accompanying written rationale.
The Judging Panel comprised, Alana Hampton (Head of Faculty, Visual Arts, St Hilda's School), Tracey Cooper-Lavery (Director, Gallery and Visual Arts, HOTA), Natasha Smith (Senior Principal, Curatorial Director, UAP) and CJ Anderson (Gold Coast Artist). After shortlisting a number of talented artists, the Panel is proud to announce the inaugural winner of the Women in Arts Scholarship: India Jonasson
India, the technical ability you have shown in your piece, ‘Emergence’, together with its beautifully-written rationale, resulted in a unanimous decision by the illustrious Judging Panel. We understand you will be taking the brave step to move interstate and become a boarder at a new school. Thus, we also want to let you know that beyond the tangible elements of the Scholarship, we are also here to help with those unexpected intangibles you might find yourself needing along the way.
We've got you.
India, it’s clear your spirit embodies our clarion call, ‘Embrace the You’, and we’re confident this opportunity will help to fully express your ability to be a real protagonist in this life.
Big Love,
Your team at The Thirty Two x St Hilda’s School
See the artwork
‘Emergence’
By India Jonasson
The main meaning behind this painting and how it relates to the aphorism, "Embrace the You". The primary subject and focal point of this self-portrait is a girl who is turning into a young woman.
The top part of her face has been intentionally left white and unfinished, telling us that her life is yet unfinished and open to unknown experiences ahead. Through the tears that flow from her eyes down her cheeks, we witness this girl in all her rawness and vulnerability. The tears represent her doubts and fears and, sometimes, her confusion at the world around her.
In the background, I have created a scene of a beautiful rainforest. The vastness of the landscape with green rainforest plants and trees contrasts with the shades and shapes of the girl's face. This contrast symbolises the sense of how we can, at times, feel uncertain and lost in the vastness of this world.
In the foreground, however, I have placed two butterflies which symbolise happiness, guidance and hope, reflecting my belief that there is a light at the end of every tunnel. The butterflies also illustrate the beauty, but fragility, of the ever-changing and fleeting moments of life. In the same way, the two hibiscus flowers provide a colourful contrast and are positioned to point towards the girl, reflecting her bright and beautiful future.
Just as a butterfly emerges from its dark cocoon, stretches its wings, embraces its strengths and goes out to fulfill its purpose in life, so too will this girl!