If you’ve strolled down O’Shannassy Street recently, you may have noticed a new splash of colour.
Yorta Yorta woman and artist Mandi Barton recently put the finishing touches on her 25-metre long mural at 59 O’Shannassy Street, which includes several nods to the area’s Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Entitled ‘Where the Creeks Flow’, the mural references Sunbury landmarks of Emu Bottom and Emu Creek with track marks, as well as the five Bora Earth Rings that were first designed by Aboriginal tribes several hundred years ago to perform ceremonies.
She completed the mural across two weeks with painter Jack Rowland.
Barton said she wanted to create a piece of art that connected the concepts of travel and belonging.
“I’m an Aboriginal artist, for me, art has the power to create an atmosphere in which people feel good about themselves,” Barton said.
“‘Where the Creeks Flow’ includes Jacksons Creek and Emu Creek, these waterways provide the connectivity and, to me, symbolise a connection of the traditional owners.
“I think it’s important to gather and to talk about culture, not just as a reminder of the past, but in reference to now as well.”
Barton has produced cultural murals across Melbourne through her business, Biyala B.
Details: biyalab.com.au
Oliver Lees
