These paintings are collaboration between Matt Adnate and local Barngarla artist Vera Richards. Matt is from Melbourne. On the western side of the mural, there is a depiction of Vera’s son Lloyd painted by Matt. The face is remembering the past and looking forward to a shared future. A highlight in Matt’s paintings is the eyes. There is another picture in the eyes and where ever you are you feel like they are watching you.
Next to the portrait, Vera has painted the theme of the seven sisters using the story of the seven sister stars and the Barngarla tradition with the Tumby Bay district – fishing along the coast. The piece on the eastern side wasn’t intended to be done but when Matt was working with Vera, he learned of Vera’s family member Tank Richards who was a highly respected man, working collaboratively and respectfully with indigenous and non-indigenous people for reconciliation. Matt was inspired to paint a portrait of Tank. The language written is welcome to country in the Barngarla language.
Look from a distance and then go closer to see the details and less obvious elements.