The INPEX Sunset Stage Mural this year is called Gwadbarrwanigi – Milky way

Painted by Jason Lee and Trent Lee

Description:

The Milky Way story has a rich and ancient narrative passed down through generations. The Milky Way is not just a celestial phenomenon but a pathway of ancestral spirits. Our ancestors travel along the luminous trails, guiding and protecting their communities. The stars within the Milky Way represent significant figures, each constellation telling a unique story of creation, wisdom, and connection to the land. This profound narrative serves as a reminder of the peoples’ deep spiritual connection to the cosmos and their reverence for the natural world. It encapsulates their profound respect for their ancestors and the wisdom they impart, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity within their communities.

The sculpture on the INPEX Sunset Stage wall is

Rainbow Serpent

Artists: Techy, Jason and Nadine Lee

Description:

The Rainbow Serpent holds a significant place in the mythologies and spiritual beliefs of many Indigenous cultures across Australia. Often depicted as a powerful and sacred creature, the Rainbow Serpent is believed to be the creator of life, responsible for shaping the land, rivers, and waterways. It represents the cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the rhythm of nature. The Rainbow Serpent is a source of wisdom, guidance, and spiritual energy, and its presence is deeply respected and revered by Indigenous communities, who continue to pass down its stories and teachings through generations as a means of preserving their cultural heritage.

Artist Blurbs:

Jason Lee:

Jason Lee is a self taught artists who was born and raised in Darwin, Northern Territory. Having grown up next to saltwater and learning his Gulumerrdjin (Larrakia) culture from his mother, Uncles, Aunties and brothers and sisters this sparked an interest in art and this interest was cultivated during his teenage years and further developed when he started learning the Larrakia language. Jason’s artistic influences come from his Larrakia ancestry and the Larrakia Language and cultural practices.

His art is a mix of contemporary and traditional styles.

Jason has always been fascinated by images and how the world is represented through art

Nadine Lee:

Nadine Birimilanga Lee is from the Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman and Karajarri peoples of NT and WA with Asian and European ancestry.

Nadine has had many years of working experience in the arts, including Manager at Bima Wear on the Tiwi Islands, Travelling Exhibitions Officer at the National Gallery of Australia Contractor, Regional Arts Fund Manager and Creative Producer for Darwin Community Arts and many other roles. Nadine’s passion is in her own cultural and creative expression. She has excelled in design, costume, 3D installations, Jewellery, film and more.

Techy Masero:

Techy Masero was born and raised in Chile, where she trained at a tertiary level as a fine arts teacher and specialist sculptor and painter. She migrated to Australia in 1985 and has since continually worked as an artist and artistic facilitator in the Northern Territory, and other parts of Australia and the world.

Her experience, scope of work and breadth of skills as a sculptural artist, community arts facilitator and collaborator with Indigenous people in the NT is beyond compare. She works on a monumental scale and her many works are instantly recognisable around the Territory as an integral part of parks, community spaces, outdoor festivals, and events.

Techy manages every aspect of the creation of her artworks, from the community engagement and concept design phase to the construction, engineering, and installation phase. Her works are constructed by hand, are high quality and expertly executed.

Her holistic life experience as an artist and arts facilitator has seen 35 years of artistic expression and collaboration, with her works created to be inclusive of the landscape, the environment, the Traditional Owners of the land, the people interacting with the art and the culture of the land it is installed.