Local Indigenous Artists Collaborate on South Bank Brisbane Artwork: A Place Where We Gather (2022)

Local Indigenous descendant from Gamilaroi, Stephen Hogarth, and proud Kabi Kabi, Gooreng Gooreng, South Sea Island Welsh woman, Silvia Jones-Terare, collaborated to create an artwork that represents both of their heritages and the rich history of South Bank. Taking 4 days to complete in the freezing cold on mid June, both Stephen and Silvia tried to keep warm with music and jokes over the days.

The design showcases the local flora and fauna that have been inhabiting the South Bank area for generations. The three circles and U shapes surrounding them symbolise the traditional owners and their spiritual and physical connection with South Bank as a central and shared place for bush tucker, ceremony, weaving, and hunting for animals.

The artwork prominently features the Brisbane River, waterways, and meeting places along the way, representing the locations where many people and families visit and enjoy celebrations.

South Bank, the green heart of the city, is depicted through some of the local flora, including beautiful fan palms, cunjevoi, and blue flax lily, as well as the animal tracks of the stone curlews, who are residents of the Parklands.

Stephen and Silvia’s use of bright colours celebrates and complements the greens of the landscape, the blue of the waterways, and the brown of the land.

Link to the video here: https://vimeo.com/744067826?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=90993204

What an amazing week painting this mural with Silvia.
size 10.5m x 3m.