Large-scale mural artwork on the Hunter Building
Wyndham City has installed an impressive First Nations large scale mural on the outside façade of the Hunter Building, 22 Synnot St, Werribee.
Following extensive consultation with Bunurong Traditional Owners, local First Nations communities, and a public Expression of Interest process; Council appointed Victorian artist Tommy Day, represented by Mamam, to design and install the 41-metre-tall mural. Tommy Day, aka Jirri Jirri, incorporated a range of elements to present cultural perspective and expression in this unique artwork as a response to the themes and cultural input from local community.
The vibrant colourful mural titled ‘Mooroop Yarkeen’, which translates to ‘Spirit Dreaming’ is a stand-out feature and highlight of the Werribee City Centre, brightening up the city with depictions of wildlife, habitat, and cultural heritage, all inter-connecting themes of Werribee and its First Nations’ history.
Day explains:
“The mural is vibrant, vivid, rich in texture and references to the Wirribi Yaluk (Werribee River), sandhills and Basalt plains, welcoming gum leaves, community coming together in unity, dreaming, and Bunjil’s flight.”
The mural project was overseen by Council’s Arts and Culture team with a working group of partners to ensure consensus and support of the process, artist selection and final design. Collaboration with key external stakeholders included The Holiday Inn, Pelligra Citi Nova developers, Quest Apartments and Werribee City Centre business owners.
The mural was officially launched on Sunday 26 November 2023.
Image Credit: Jack Gruber
Artist Bio - Tommy Day / Jirri Jirri
Tommy Day / Jirri Jirri
Gunditjmara Nation – Kerrupmara Clan Group, Yorta Yorta Nation – Wollithica Clan Group, Wemba Wemba
From the tranquil Lake Condah on Gunditjmara land, Jirri Jirri’s artistic journey began on his Grandmother’s country (Gunditjmara). Over six fruitful years, he honed his craft as a professional artist, specialising in acrylics on canvas, captivating murals of varying scales, and digital innovation. A modern storyteller, his creations intricately weave tales of place, country, identity, and connection - a tribute to the past, a celebration of the present, and a gaze into the future.
Jirri Jirri’s palette, a symphony of colours, harmonises with each location's spirit and the rhythm of changing seasons. Having collaborated with government, private and corporate sectors, his work has adorned diverse spaces with its charm.
A pivotal chapter saw Jirri Jirri join forces with the esteemed artist Adnate, together crafting five murals that transcend reality, delve into cultural depths, and explore spirituality. As Jirri Jirri stands today, his art echoes untold stories, honouring heritage, and uniting human experiences across time's canvas. Past murals projects include the Moonee Valley Library and Moonee Ponds West Wall.
Artwork Concept
The central blue pattern represents the Werribee River that flows through the landscape.
Below this pattern is a representation of Bunurong Country, from the sandhills of the coast to the basalt plains. The circular pattern within this section represents the Bunurong people coming together to celebrate identity and connection, ceremony and kinship.
The blue outline represents the connection to the salt water. The blue circles throughout represent the freshwater springs intersecting the coast and inland county. The triangular pattern flowing upwards through the background is movement across the basalt country.
The lines represent generation footprints across country, etched into country since time began.
The yellow colour is a representation of coastal environment.
The design above the Werribee River is a representation of ancestral connection and belonging. The great creation spirit Bunjil flows within the design, ever watchful. The background design is a representation of his flight pattern within the cosmos and the presence of wind. The gum leaves are to represent the smoking ceremony given to all to ensure all are welcomed the proper way to country. The circular pattern flowing through the top is a representation of connection, where dreaming lives, where a seat for all at the great fire of our dreaming is welcomed.
The bottom design is a representation of the present and the future, where more footprints will be etched into country by all who call the Wyndham home. Walking together proudly into a bright and promising future.
The top design is a representation of ancestral connection and hope. For all of us look to the sky when we are hopeful and to remember.
Mooroop Yarken Gallery
