Alumni Spotlight: Rome Jowett‑Crociani (Class of 2025) shines in NGV Top Arts 2026
We are delighted to celebrate OPGA alumni Rome Jowett‑Crociani (Class of 2025), whose work BOODJURA (fire sticks) 2025 has been selected for Top Arts at the National Gallery of Victoria. This is the same artwork that won Peninsula Grammar’s 2025 Principal’s Acquisitive Prize—a remarkable recognition of Rome’s creative voice and technical ambition.
“Boodjura explores balance, connection and care. It is my way of respecting animals, plants, people and spirit a reflection on Country itself.” — Rome Jowett‑Crociani
About the artwork
- Title: BOODJURA (fire sticks) 2025
- Materials: synthetic polymer paint and coloured fibre‑tip pen on canvas; eucalyptus leaves, eucalyptus branches, string
- Dimensions: 150.0 × 114.0 × 25.0 cm (variable)
- School: Peninsula Grammar, Mount Eliza — Bunurong Country
© Rome Jowett‑Crociani
Rome’s practice thoughtfully bridges materiality, movement,and memory. The suspended, double‑sided presentation invites audiences to walkaround the work and experience a gradual transformation:
“The most interesting part of my work is the idea of adouble‑sided canvas that would hang, allowing the audience to interact with mywork, and move around it, slowly watching the work change from a blackened, ashy scene, renewed to a whimsical birth of life and renewal.”
This dynamic encounter reflects Rome’s inquiry into care for Country, renewal after fire, and the interdependence of animals, plants, people and spirit.
Influences & inspirations - Rome cites two key inspirations that informed BOODJURA:
- Artist Daniel Boyd — whose dotting and fragmentation invite multiple ways of seeing:
“He inspired me through his use of dotting artworks that create an illusion of fragmentation when viewed up close, but form a complete image when seen from a distance. This effect reflects Australian history and the gaps within it—gaps that only First Nations people can teach and communicate through their art.”
“This inspires me to create my own stories and ideas through symbolism, and to build a broader image both mentally and physically when viewing my work from afar.”
- Learnings of Country from Uncle Paul (Elder, Shoalhaven NSW) — a guiding influence on care, respect and connection to Place.
Exhibition details — Top Arts 2026 (NGV)
Venue: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square — Ground Level, NGV Design Studio
Dates: 13 March – 19 July 2026
Entry: Free
You can read Rome’s artist reflection via the Top Arts2026 page here
