Birrunga 2024 acrylic on canvas 100 x 80cm In this painting I honour the Wiradjuri artist, Birrunga, my mentor and teacher. Birrunga has overcome immense personal adversity but has fought to ensure that the intergenerational pain and trauma he experienced ends with him. Birrunga and Suzie’s dedication to their cultural responsibilities, and to creating a better future for Mob, through their work with the Wayne Weaver Foundation; IITOQ; DV connect and the Creative Cultural Development Program is unmatched. I knew that I wanted to show Birrunga in this pose- strong and tall, and viewed from below, to convey my respect for him and his role as an Indigenous teacher, leader and changemaker. I also knew that I wanted to include the boomerangs as a symbol of his dedication to culture. However, it was only halfway through finishing the background, that I realized I had unintentionally painted Birrunga surrounded by smoke. A few moments later I also understood why I had felt compelled to use charcoal in the artwork- a medium I had never used before in my life- and one that is produced by fire. Fire and smoke are sacred to Mob they are used to heal and cleanse, connect with country and to honour our ancestors. I believe I was guided by our ancestors to include these in this artwork to honour Birrunga’s dedication to culture and his profound connection with country and ancestors.
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