A community art workshop took place in Kingborough on Wednesday, July 6, assisted by local artist, and Melukerdee woman, Gemma O’Rourke.
Participants of all ages and backgrounds contributed to a collaborative painting using hands, brushes, paint, and charcoal sticks.
The NAIDOC Week 2022 event, hosted by Kingborough Council, provided an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Australia’s First Nations art and culture, the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
The annual, national celebration recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, was celebrated from Sunday, July 3 to Sunday, July 10 this year.
The art workshop was held at the Kingborough Community Hub and began with a walk to the Kingston Playground and a Welcome to Country.
Gemma O’Rourke said a steady stream of participants contributed to the artwork throughout the session.
Participants learned about red ochre, or (ITALICS) ballawinne, which has a spiritual and symbolic place in Tasmanian Aboriginal culture.
“We talked about (ITALICS) ballawinne (red ochre) and other ochres that are the blood of Country,” explained Gemma.
“It has the resonating energy of Mother Earth.
“Palawa people used it to enhance their connection to Country and their intonement with the earth.
“So, we’ve used those colours (in the collaborative painting).”
Participants added their own symbols to the painting.
“We looked at rock markings,” explained Gemma.
“People added a symbol that was heart-felt for each person.”
Participants included Britney, age 11, from Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) in the Northern Territory.
Ltyentye Apurte is an Eastern Arrernte community of around 479 people, located 85km south east of Alice Springs.
Britney had travelled to Tasmania to visit family in Kingborough.
Taroona High School, Year 8 student Isabella, heard about the event on social media and came directly from school to help put the final touches on the artwork on Wednesday afternoon.
Mount Nelson Primary School, Grade 5 student Nicholas painted a bee flying to pollen on the artwork.
The communal art piece is to be displayed at the Kingborough Community Hub.
PHOTO: Local artist and Melukerdee woman Gemma O’Rourke (right) facilitated the NAIDOC Week 2022 collaborative art workshop. The Kingborough Council event was organised by its Community Services Officer, Arts and Events, Danielle Gilbert-Beynon (left).
