Bohie Blackwood (Bohdana Palecek, she/her, b. 1987) is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and illustrator based in Geelong, Victoria, originally from Braidwood, NSW. With a diverse creative practice spanning human-centred design, large-scale murals, site-specific fine art, and visual storytelling, Bohie’s work explores the intersections of community engagement, symbolic meaning, and socially conscious design.

Her artistic exploration delves into corporate branding, nature, and identity, addressing deep philosophical, ecological, and sociological issues. Through her practice, Bohie challenges the structures of modern life, particularly the complexities of consumerism, power, and humanity’s alienation from both each other and the natural environment.

After studying Drawing and Printmaking at the Australian National University, Bohie earned the Award for Excellence in Graphic Design and Digital Media from the Canberra Institute of Technology in 2010. Since 2011, she has been a full-time self-employed designer and artist, developing a celebrated career that bridges the realms of commercial design, fine art, and public art. Bohie’s early works focused on reviving the almost-forgotten craft of traditional signwriting, challenging the conventional methods of advertising and corporate communication. She created hand-crafted typographic works for high-profile brands like UBER and Westfield, exploring the potential for corporations to engage in grassroots change and social impact.

Between 2019 and 2023, Bohie focused on creating public murals with a strong emphasis on raising female voices through youth-led projects and mentorship. These works explored gender, identity, and environmental issues, reflecting the interconnectedness of all things. In 2023, she co-authored the journal article “Street Art as a Vehicle for Environmental Public Communication” with researchers from Australian National University. The article, along with a short film premiered at the National Film and Sound Archive, examined how Bohie’s work combines symbolism, figurative techniques, and moments of surprise to engage the public in deep environmental and social conversations. Through her art, Bohie uses hope as a strategy to inspire connection, collective responsibility, and action on urgent issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

Her leadership in the field has been recognised through keynote talks and panel discussions with organisations like AGDA (Australian Graphic Design Association), Business South Australia, Surface Festival of Street Art, and YWCA’s She Leads conference, as well as in media outlets such as ABC News and Good Type.

In 2024, Bohie became the first artist commissioned to paint the walls of the Gandel Atrium at the Australian National Museum for an internationally curated exhibition. She has expanded her global reach through ecological art residencies and exhibitions in Australia, Mexico, North America, Japan, and England.

Blackwood’s art is a profound investigation of the paradoxical relationship between capitalism and nature. Her work invites viewers to question systems that reduce our humanity, while exploring how we can reclaim agency, connection, and care in a world increasingly shaped by overwhelming forces.