We recently caught up with one of our favourite modern contemporary First Nations artists Luke Penrith, from Brungle NSW. Luke is the Chairperson for the Indyamarra Ngumbaay Aboriginal Corporation and is the exceptionally talented artist behind the COS RAP artwork, he was kind enough to talk to us about his artwork and his work with INAC.
As the Chairperson for the Indyamarra Ngumbaay Aboriginal Corporation, can you give us an insight in to what the organisation is about and how it all started?
The Indyamarra Ngumbaay (Respect First) Aboriginal Corporation was established to provide technical support to improve, develop and build capacity and capability in people, community, Tribal Groups and Traditional structures that existed for more than 80,000 years. INAC have developed a joint venture with Maliyan Horizon to build a regional workforce of First Nations peoples within the Construction/Rail Industries in Regional NSW ACT & Victoria.
Can you tell us a bit about the artworks you do?
My main clients are Government agencies and corporations supporting their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journeys. I was fortunate enough to be commissioned by COS for their RAP artwork just over a year ago. I also have a number of sporting stars that engage me to do some cultural works throughout the year.
The Artists Story
Freshwater (Brown circles) and Saltwater (Blue Circles) are essentials of life.
First Nations peoples value to water is sacred, deep and necessary for survival. It is protected by Lore, which provides a system of sustainable management ensuring healthy people.
Our painting recognises the establishment of effective and meaningful partnerships with COS and the First Nations communities across Australia.
The two large boomerangs represent that all Australians are coming together. The three Boomerangs within the two main boomerangs represent Past, Present and future Australian.
First Nations have been managing Sea Countries for tens of thousands of years. Spirituality, our ancestors made languages, knowledge, medicine, songs, Arts, dances and laws/ Lore. The painting acknowledges First Nations peoples continuing social, cultural and economic connection to the sea.
First Nations peoples have obligations to remember the Ancestors journeys along the waterways. Our people have survived and adapted. Resilience and collaboration will be fundamental to a brighter future.
Luke Penrith of Brungle
I acknowledge and pay my respect to the traditional owners of the country in which I work and live on. I further acknowledge my Elders Past and Present from the Wiradjuri, Wotjobaluk, Yuin & Gumbaynggirr Nations
