An art exhibition that symbolises the region's landscape has been created by Sutton siblings Chern'ee, Brooke and Jesse and is currently on display at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.
Titled Long ago, today tomorrow, the exhibition is a collaboration between Gidji Art and the local family who are all talented Kalkadoon artists.
Chern'ee said it was an honour to work with her brother and sister to produce an exhibition themed on their surroundings, from the coast to the bush.
“All of the artworks on display are different, with Brooke, Jesse and my styles all contrasting and complementing one another,” she said.
“The art is inspired by our Aboriginal culture and history as well as our communities.
“From the coastlines here in Bundaberg which inspire our seaside artworks, to the green bush which surrounds our home, to the rugged outback of Mount Isa and the night time skies which have had stories told about them by our people for hundreds of thousands of years.
“We are all incredibly honoured to be exhibiting together at Mon Repos, we usually exhibit around Australia and overseas, but to be collaborating with our community and exhibiting our artworks together right on our doorstep is so much more special.”
Chern'ee said the exhibition was made up of 18 artworks, including a special statement piece.
“One of the paintings is a very significant artwork made up of nine panels and was painted at the 2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village,” she said.
“It contains a rainbow serpent timeline of Australia starting over 65,000 years ago, with many significant points throughout our history represented all the way until present day.
“The painting was an interactive artwork which also contains the fingerprints of the athletes and dignitaries who were a part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games including King Charles' fingerprint, which I have circled in gold in one of the panels.
“This artwork the most significant and priceless artwork that I have ever created, so to have it on display here in Bundaberg is incredible.”
Chern'ee said anyone visiting the Mon Repos Turtle Centre could view the exhibition.
“If anyone is visiting Bundaberg or the turtles these holidays, make sure to drop in and check out the exhibition and while you’re at the center learning about our beautiful turtles and ancient culture, don’t forget to grab a bite at Gidji Café and browse the gift shop,” she said.
More art news: Printmaking workshop to inspire young artists
So talented; hope they continue with their beautiful art