Bakandji artist and revered Brimbank community elder, Aunty Jeanie Mason, has unveiled her latest masterpiece, ‘Knowledge and Wisdom,’ at the Sunshine Library.
The vibrant mural, located on Level 1, portrays a colourful scene of animals and children gathered around a central figure, symbolising the significance of ancestral stories passed down through generations.
“As soon as I saw the wall I knew exactly what I would paint on it,” Aunty Jeanie said.
Inspired by her upbringing along the Baaka (Darling) River in Wilcannia, in western New South Wales, Aunty Jeanie infuses her artwork with childhood memories.
Reflecting on her childhood experiences of learning from her mother about culture and language, Aunty Jeanie paints the mural with themes of education and traditional knowledge.
The mural features the prominent figure of a ’Teacher Woman’ symbolising the respected elder who imparts wisdom to the younger generation. Seven children, representing each day of the week, gather around her to learn about the significance of Indigenous foods and medicinal plants.
“I wanted to put more on the wall but at the same time I wanted to leave space for kids to put their handprints on it,” she said.
