Jessica Skeen
Jessica Skeen is a contemporary visual artist who lives in Brisbane. Her versatile artistic style is influenced by her strong family ties and a heritage of artisans. Her father is a talented craftsman and has supported his family for over 65 years creating various traditional tools and artefacts. Jessica is a descendant of the Kuku Thaypan, Widi and Birriah tribes from North Queensland.
After graduating in 1999 she began her career as an artist. In 2011 the name “Muralappi” was given to her from her father. “Muralappi” translates to “youngest of my generation.” Being the youngest of a large family she feels an immense responsibility to continue the legacy that those before her have held in high esteem. That being to carry on educating and inspiring the next generation to be empowered, to aim high and lift one another up along the way. Jessica is blessed with two children of her own whom she hopes to impart with her skills.
Jessica uses acrylic paints on various mediums. Her work is inspired by observing the natural environment and being silent enough to hear the lessons it continually teaches. Additionally Jessica enjoys tapping in and channelling emotions to tell stories where words can often be hard to find.
As an intergenerational trauma sufferer Jessica has seen firsthand how connecting and telling stories through art and culture can heal and liberate people.
Schools, local councils and Indigenous Cooperatives are amongst some of the groups she has engaged with to teach community about Aboriginal culture as well as workshops for the youth to learn more about their identity and how they can be resilient individuals.
