Burruguu Art has another mural in the works

Orange City Life has recently caught up with Indigenous artist Sandon Gibbs-O’Neill from Burruguu Art and he’s been flat chat since the unveiling of his last mural for Headspace Orange.

Now commissioned by Orange City Council for the Future City project, Sandon has been hard at work creating his next public mural located at the back of Canobolas Hotel in the McNamara Street car park.

Sandon said he’s received a great response from the community as people watched his artwork take form over the last few weeks. “People have loved it so far and they’ve stopped to have in-depth conversations about it.

“I love people asking me questions and engaging with the art and learning about its meaning. It’s not just a pretty picture, there’s value in the art,” he explained.

The mural’s title Community is a contemporary design that draws on aspects of traditional Aboriginal art. Two circular designs joined by a pathway will illustrate past, present, and future communities and the importance of sharing knowledge and showing respect.

“It shows the generational change between the past and future generations, and how the journey between the two generations is connected,” Sandon said.

The mural represents three rivers painted in blue, the Wambool (Macquarie), Kalari (Lachlan), and Murrumbidgee. Reflecting the Wiradjuri people who are the ‘people of the three rivers.’ “The colours represent the natural earth pigments,” he said.

The use of dots within a circular pattern will reflect community with each dot having an important role in the overall circle. Just as each person plays a vital role in our community.

Community reflects a connection to the land on which we walk and its traditional custodians, the Wiradjuri people.

“It’s really good and important to see Aboriginal art out in public,” Sandon stated.

Sandon is a proud Nhunngabarra man who is inspired by the legacy of his grandfather, Tex Skuthorpe, a highly respected Nhunggal man, artist, teacher, and author.

Through his artwork, Sandon hopes to challenge stereotypes, educate others, and continue to learn more about his culture.