Doctor of Philosophy, Class of 2017
Bachelor of Photography (Honours), Class of 2007
Dr Renata Buziak is a photo-media artist, educator and researcher. She first graduated from the Queensland College of Art and Design, Griffith University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Photography (Honours) and then again in 2017 with a Doctor of Philosophy.
Her passion lies with helping people to reconnect with nature; a passion that was ignited in her childhood years and cultivated into a career during her time at Griffith.
“In my childhood I learned about the healing power of nature and self-studied photography. Both became the focus when I studied my Bachelor of Photography,” said Renata.
Whilst studying photography, Renata learnt the complexities of photography rules, however, naturally gravitated towards pushing the boundaries and exploring alternative, more creative methods, which led her to develop the biochrome process.
“Biochrome is a process that creates a biochrome image by fusion of organic and photographic materials, over an extended period,” Renata explained.
Since graduating, Renata’s career has blossomed as she continues to delve deeper into the photographic medium and explore different ways to reconnect with nature.
Her unique artwork is timeless and represents the fluctuating rhythmic and dynamic state of constant change in nature. It has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions nationally and internationally, received a number of art awards, and is featured in private and public collections. Internationally, this includes exhibitions at:
- Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia
- The National Museum, and Academy of Fine Arts, Wrocław, Poland
- Photo LA, Los Angeles, USA
- WM Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Jarvic Dooney Galarie in Berlin, Germany
- The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Prague, Czech Republic
- The Opole Contemporary Art Gallery, Poland
- The Walcot Chapel, Bath, United Kingdom
Her work has also been prominently displayed at the iconic Bondi Beach promenade for the Head On Photo Festival in Sydney, POP Gallery in Brisbane and various other exhibitions and galleries across Australia.
In the last 15 years of creating art with nature, Renata has observed that many people feel disconnected from the natural environment. Through her various exhibitions and projects, an unwavering career highlight for Renata has been the way her artwork helps people to reconnect with nature and enrich their communities.
“We are surrounded by nature, yet many people feel disconnected. It fascinates me to find ways to reconnect with nature through my practice,” she said.
She also remains in awe of how plant life and photography continually help her to reconnect with nature herself.
“Nature provides physical and spiritual healing; I love extending it to making art with plants and sharing it with others,” said Renata.
In addition to her solo work, Renata regularly collaborates with a variety of artists and industries to create bespoke pieces and draws her inspiration and motivation from artists such as Anna Atkins; a botanist and the first person to use cyanotype techniques to illustrate books.
Dr Buziak’s recent research projects have taken a very local and historic focus on Australian healing plants significant to the Quandamooka Peoples of Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island; wildflowers of the Granite Belt; and soil degradation (art-science collaboration).
Focused firmly on a bright future, Renata aspires to continually raise awareness of the importance of reconnecting to nature whilst pushing artistic boundaries.
“We are part of the cycle of life. I want to inspire students not to be afraid of breaking rules, once they know them first, and to make their own path and follow their dreams.”
Renata also remains connected with Griffith and continues to give back to her community and support her networks.
Dr Renata Buziak was commissioned to create a stunning artwork that weaves its way across three levels of the Griffith University Engineering, Technology and Aviation Building (N79) at the Nathan campus. The six level building opened to students at the start of the 2020 and Dr Buziak’s artwork has succeeded in bringing the outside indoors like never before.
Furthermore, in a year where kindness and empathy have never been more important, in the spirit of giving, Renata has generously supplied her artwork to be used on festive gift swing tags that will be available to use by donors and supporters of Griffith University.
The featured artworks are from Renata’s PhD Medicinal Plant Cycles series.
View Renata’s website to download a free PDF of her PhD exhibition catalogue.
