The University of Sydney will join the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade for the 10th year in a row on Saturday 1 March in support of our diverse LGBTQIA+ community.
Bachelor of Arts student Siena Bhuiyan was commissioned to design the artwork for this year’s float, to be shown on the University’s Mardi Gras costumes and the Parade banner.
Drawing inspiration from the Pride community at the University of Sydney, her connection to her Aboriginal culture and her values of identity, Bhuiyan’s designs incorporate two powerful symbols of beauty and belonging that are iconic to the University landscape: the jacaranda tree and the flame tree.
Siena Bhuiyan said her artwork is inspired by the diversity of the University community. Photo credit: Ava Redman
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LinkResponding to the 2025 Mardi Gras theme of Free to Be, Bhuiyan’s artwork positions the flame tree as the heart of the University of Sydney campus, surrounded by glowing sparks that reflect the diversity of the community and the power of unity.
“The flame tree represents growth and hope, with each spark symbolising the uniqueness of every individual,” Bhuiyan said. “It’s about embracing who we are and replanting for a better future.”
A cultural symbol for all
The University's much-loved jacaranda graced the southern end of the Quadrangle for 88 years before dying in 2016. The Illawarra Flame tree (Brachychiton Acerifolius), native to subtropical regions on the east coast of Australia, joined a clone of the original jacaranda in the Quadrangle in 2017 to honour the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
For Bhuiyan, the flame tree is not just a design motif, but a powerful symbol deeply rooted in Aboriginal culture: "In Aboriginal culture, the heart or the centre often symbolises a campfire for people to gather around and connect with each other, and when we plant seeds, we hope they grow into something beautiful and lasting, just like the flame tree,” Bhuiyan said.
“The sparks in my artwork represent individuality while the flame element of the flame tree represents the glowing pride of the LGBTQIA+ community. The organic swirling patterns are influenced by my Bengali heritage and reinforce my values of cultural connection and personal identity.”
Artist’s impression of the jacaranda tree and flame tree in bloom. Photo credit: The University of Sydney
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LinkAbout the artist
Siena Bhuiyan is an Anaiwan, Biripi, and Bengali artist and a GO Foundation Scholarship recipient at the University of Sydney, where she is in her second year of studying Criminology and Indigenous Studies.
She aspires to use her degree to give back to the community by improving access to legal aid and services, while pursuing her art as well.
Bhuiyan is a recognised artist in Sydney and that explored themes of community, self-care and positivity for the LAROI Foundation.
The funds raised directly supported headspace's work online, in schools and universities, and at over 160 centres across Australia.
Hero photo credit: Siena Bhuiyan
University of Sydney student Siena Bhuiyan with her artwork designed for the Mardi Gras Parade. Photo credit: Ava Redman
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LinkMedia contact
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