ARTIST BIO
"My artistic journey is deeply rooted in an exploration of psychology, spirituality, and mysticism. Through my work, I delve into the creation of self and the profound concept of connection. Each piece I create aims to evoke a sense of internal presence and tranquility, serving as a portal to a space of rest that honors the divine within.
The process of art-making for me is a transformative alchemy. Immersed in a state of flow, I discover a profound connection to our shared humanity and a realization of our innate potential for growth and love.
I work across various mediums including paint, ceramics, timber, and murals. My approach often begins intuitively, evolving into a more focused and intentional practice as I progress. Utilizing recurring symbolism and instinctive creative methods, I aim to communicate from a deeper, unconscious space.
My art seeks to inspire introspection and evoke emotions, inviting viewers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and spiritual connection."
Alanya is a Newcastle based artist originally from Melbourne with a rich background in the creative industry. A widely exhibited and successful artist with qualifications in Visual Art and a Post Graduate Degree in Animation from the Victorian College of the Arts, she is also a published illustrator, award winning stop motion film maker and film director. She has recently been a finalist in the Black Stone Gallery BLUE Prize 2020 and she has been twice recently selected as a finalist in the Newcastle Art Space Emerging Artist Prize. Her work “Moon Over Ocean” was featured in the June 2021 issue of Art Edit magazine. Qualifications in Psychology, Counseling and Art Therapy as well as years spent travelling overseas and living in Israel contribute an emotional depth to her art.
Alanya was one of three privileged artists practicing as part of the exclusive John Morris’ Atelier Group, 2019. In 2021 Alanya was one of a select group of emerging artists to be accepted into the Newcastle Art Space Mentorship Program under the mentorship of renowned painter and sculptor Joanna O’Toole. These mentorship experiences have given Alanya’s work new clarity and authenticity.
Alanya is passionate about bringing like minded people together to connect and learn and runs the Newcastle Artist Collective which has resulted in much joy, growth and artistic success. She also runs a local Moon Group for women which has enhanced her life and creative practice tremendously.
ARTIST CV
Solo Exhibitions
2023 BIRDS, Good Brother, 40 King St Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2022 BIRDS, SMAC Space Studio, Tighes Hill, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2021 MOON, Art Systems Wickham, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Exhibitions
2024 REVEAL, The Owens Collective, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2023 REALM, The Owens Collective, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2023 Hunter Emerging Artist Prize Finalist, Newcastle Art Space, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2023 The After, Art Systems Wickham, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2022 ASW Gallery Christmas Exhibition, Art Systems Wickham, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2022 Newcastle Art Space, The Build Up, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2022 Newcastle Art Space, Flood, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2021 Newcastle Art Space, This Is It: End of Year Exhibition, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2021 ASW Gallery Christmas Exhibition, Art Systems Wickham, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2020 ASW Gallery Christmas Exhibition, Art Systems Wickham, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2020 Blue, Works on Paper Prize Finalist, Blackstone Gallery, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2020 Open Studio Exhibition, Private Solo Show at Artist’s Home Studio, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2020 Newcastle Emerging Artist Prize Finalist, Newcastle Art Space, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
2020 Willful, Exhibiting as part of The Ateliers, The Showroom, Islington, Newcastle, NSW.
2020 Mistress, Blackstone Gallery, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Press
2021 Art/Edit, Art Mood Spread: Alanya van de Wiel
Education
Post Graduate Degree Counselling, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, 2017
Post Graduate Degree Art Therapy, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, 2008
Post Graduate Degree Animation, The Victorian College of The Arts (VCA), Melbourne, 2000
Certificate in Art and Design, The Northland School of Design, Melbourne, 1999
Arts Degree Major in Psychology, The University of Melbourne, 1998