My artwork represents the idea of “symbiosis”, a cooperative relationship in which two groups of people can live together for the benefit of both. At the centre of my artwork sits the Rainbow Serpent, symbolising the powerful legacy the many Dreamtime stories have in shaping our view of country and culture. The Rainbow Serpent (and the Dreamtime) connect my two figures and represent the sharing of ideas, culture and the passing of knowledge between cultures as we live side by side. Through living together symbiotically and sharing culture we are able to begin the process of healing our country as we connect to the land, people and animals that have been here for thousands of years and learn from the Dreamtime.
Reconciliation means…
To me, Reconciliation is the process of creating and rebuilding respecful relationships between all Australians, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous. It means to value the culture and traditions of Aboriginal Australians, equally to the various other cultures and values of other Australians. This years theme means to embrace and share First Nations culture and knowledges as a way to heal our Nation and move forward. Reconciliation is an important step towards forming Australians future national identity.
Artist: Violet Wilson
Many of these resources and activities have been developed in consultation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to ensure that the program meets NSW curriculum outcomes for Stages 3, 4 & 5.
Reconciliation NSW aims to create a reconciled, just and equitable community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We work to inform, support and inspire people to engage in reconciliation.
E: schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au
T: 02 8095 9600
Ground Floor 27 Cope St Redfern 2016
