The Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai and Gunditjmara artist whose work is being adorned across the Gap Road rail bridge in Sunbury says seeing it nearing completion is “a bit unreal”.
Teena Moffatt’s stunning piece, imprinted on custom-designed perforated aluminium sheeting currently being installed on both sides of the bridge, references landmarks in the area’s volcanic plains.
“I’m feeling very excited, it was amazing going to see it up close,” Moffatt said.
“It’s deadly that it’s at this point now.”
Moffatt was chosen from a shortlist of Victorian First Nations artists by an advisory panel, including representatives from Creative Victoria, Hume council and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
“It’s such a beautiful mark for Indigenous Australia and highlights our connection to Country in such a beautiful way,” she said.
In May, Moffatt told Star Weekly it was a “privilege” to be able to create art on Wurundjeri Country, and said she was grateful to the people who guided her on the journey to finishing the work.
The Sunbury/Koorakoorakup local said it was incredible for her daughter to see the size and scale of the work, which would always remind passers-by they were living on Indigenous land.
“She’s been obviously watching the whole journey progress and is amazed,” Moffatt said.
“It’s opening up those little channels in her mind as to what she can achieve in her future.”