ARTIST BIO
"I am intrigued by the idea of art providing a mystical and alchemically remedial experience for both the artist and viewer. I find it remarkable that colour and form affects the human experience both emotionally and physically, as music does. I am inspired by trail blazing modernist artists such as Georgia O’Keefe and the esoteric work of women such as Hilma af Klint and Agnes Lawrence Pelton. The creative chemistry of art is inspiring, powerful and a beautiful antidote to today’s materially indoctrinated world. As our culture becomes technologically dominated, the role of art making as an immersive, physical, emotionally engaging process is becoming more significant.
The experience of art-making and engagement holds the possibility and hope of positive transformation. I aim to evoke a sense of internal presence, tranquility and love. I work across various mediums. My approach often begins intuitively, evolving into a more focused and intentional practice as I progress. Utilizing recurring symbolism and intuitive approaches, I often create from a deeper, unconscious space.
Through considered use of form and colour, my art seeks to inspire introspection and evoke emotions, inviting viewers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and connection."
A Newcastle-based artist originally from Melbourne and co-founder of the New Artists’ Collective, Alanya brings expertise in mural design and fine art works that celebrate a fluid beauty as an antidote to the material world. With qualifications in Visual Art, Animation, Counselling and Art therapy she is a widely exhibited artist and has been a finalist in several fine art prizes. Her work “Moon Over Ocean” was featured in the June 2021 issue of Art Edit magazine.
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 further clarity and authenticity.
Alanya is passionate about bringing like minded people together to connect and learn and runs the Newcastle Artist Collective, as well as providing private tailored consultations and therapeutic art facilitation. These services have resulted in much joy and growth and have enhanced her own 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 AESTHETE, Leda Gallery, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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