Heal Country mural 2022

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Heal Country is an acknowledgment to country, on which we meet, live, work, and play. The artwork is inspired by layers of local landscapes, foods, bush medicine and healing plants. Alia Ardon's new film, Colours of Country, was commissioned and developed by PACT to document the making of our mural.

Maddie and Jason's artist statement for Heal Country:

'One of the first Aboriginal lessons as a child is to sit down with elders, slow down and listen. This was the initial concept for the work. To sit, listen and honour our flora, fauna, brothers and sisters and visually return them to the site where they once existed. I drew seeds, nuts, flowers, and berries.

'Heal Country' is a celebration and recognition of the oldest, most intricate, sophisticated, and connected society in the world. We still share intimate connections and knowledge with the land sea and all living things. We must plant our seeds, messages, and energy into this earth, and she returns with life, food, medicine. Channelling ancestors reconnects to mother earth, culture and stories. She reminds us to always be respectful to ourselves and all living things.

We create dynamic artworks to activate and enrich the culture in cities. Informing public space with Aboriginal content to celebrate dual histories of Australia. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land.'

Painting credits: Maddison Gibbs, Jessie Warratah Simon, Jason Wing, Tom, Chris Delamotte