Artwork by local First Nations people is being celebrated on NBN boxes in Greater Geelong.
The first two First Nations designs have just been installed at Marshall Reserve on Mornane Road: ‘The Setting Sun of the Serpent’ by Norm Stanley and ‘Ton-Ton (Brain)’ by Jenna Oldaker.
Council says the First Nations NBN Box Artwork Series aims to showcase the importance and significance of our First Nations art and culture and highlight the unique designs by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Geelong is home to a diverse range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the First Nations NBN Box Design Commissions are an exciting opportunity to bring their designs to public spaces,” said Mayor, Trent Sullivan.
“These commissions are an important way to take First Nations designs to communal spaces so that our community can see First Nations artwork out in public.
“These designs play an important role in recognising our First Nations community and celebrating a sense of place. It’s great to see the core values and objectives of Council’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan and Arts & Cultural Strategy 2021 – 2031 put into action.
“I thank the first two First Nations artists that have brought this project to life, Norm Stanley and Jenna Oldaker,” he said.
This art project is a collaboration between the City of Greater Geelong, First Nations artists and NBN Co. The project has been developed in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative who have provided guidance and advice on the project.
Jenna Oldaker’s artwork (pictured, above) ‘Ton-Ton (Brain)’ is a vibrant and captivating composition of colourful shapes and dots. It’s a representation of the mind coming to life in colour. The traditional U shapes represent people on Wadawurrung Country as they move around the tracks weaving back and forth across the land sharing their stories, history and culture.
Norm Stanley’s artwork (main photo) comprises hues in red, grey and white, telling the story of ‘The Setting Sun of the Serpent’. As the remnants of the sun disappear on the horizon, we see the serpent slithering through a fiery sky. Norm draws on memories of his childhood and the story of the red sky of the setting sun told by his Elders.
This artwork series is just one example of the City’s strong commitment to promoting our First Nations culture, commissioning public artworks and for the region to be a cultural centre of innovation and excellence.
“It is inspiring to see artists share their creativity and culture, bringing bold colours to our streets that deepen a sense of belonging for our residents and enhance the First Nations understanding of our visitors,” said Mayor Sullivan.
“The design commissions provide Traditional Owners with an opportunity to tell their story through art while also extending their professional practice. I highly encourage all First Nations artists to apply for the next round of commissions.”
NBN Co Acting Executive Manager, Community and Stakeholder Engagement, VIC-TAS, Jessica Cotter said offering local First Nations artist a canvas to showcase their art was an exceptional use of NBN nodes.
“We are really pleased with the beautiful artwork that tell stories of heritage and culture that we see wrapping the first two boxes.”
“We look forward to seeing how our NBN nodes are further utilised within the commission to share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designs and stories,” said Ms Cotter.
