Journey into the Heart of Knowledge by Lawson Dodd
Date Published: 3rd Jul 2025
Journey into the Heart of Knowledge, was proudly created by Kaurna, Narungga, and Ngarrindjeri artist Lawson ‘Wukawe’ Dodd for Flinders University Libraries. It is a digital vector piece that celebrates inclusivity, unity, and the transformative power of education through teaching, learning, and research. Blending traditional symbolism with modern techniques, it captures the essence of the Flinders University Library community and its commitment to advancing academic exploration.
The artwork composition symbolises a student’s journey through research. The large circular shapes represent traditional campsites or meeting places, here depicted as interconnected locations along a non-linear pathway, reflecting the diverse opportunities in research and discovery. The artwork flows from left to right, illustrating the growth of an idea—beginning small and evolving as it connects with broader communities.
Surrounding these meeting places are small ‘U’ shapes, symbolising individuals embarking on this journey. Dotted lines form songlines, representing the passing of knowledge through conversations and storytelling across generations. Flanking the songlines are kangaroo tracks, signifying the guiding presence of Tarnta, the Kaurna red kangaroo spirit. Gum leaves and rippling lines also pay homage to the University’s deep connection to the land and nature across its campuses.
The abstract background tells a story of knowledge. Green on navy symbolises the earth and access to global information and technology. Swirling colours represent the diverse fields of business, education, humanities, health, and sciences, unified in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Together, the combination of traditional and contemporary symbolism tells the story of how Flinders Libraries transform lives by championing equitable access to and engagement with knowledge.
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