The Metro Tunnel Creative Program was proud to celebrate the 2019 YIRRAMBOI First Nations festival by displaying these stunning artworks by Gunnai, Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta woman Lyn-Al Young and Boon Wurrung and Wemba Wemba woman Jarra Karalinar Steel.
Lyn-Al Young: BURRAI WULA (baby emu)
Artist statement
Baby emus have strong and distinct markings in their feathers, almost like the blueprint for their lives. As they grow older their markings are not visible anymore, but their purpose remains the same.
The Emu symbolically represents our nation moving forward with diligence, integrity and humility. In this piece, it is depicted as spiritually guiding us on the path to wisdom and truth.
About the artist
Lyn-Al Young is a Gunnai, Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta fashion designer and artist living in Melbourne.
Her name, Lyn-Al, means grandmother and is a reminder of the importance of connecting back and honouring her heritage every time she starts her design process.
Realising the power of fashion and art, Lyn-Al seeks to release ‘Marrumbang’ - love and kindness - into each design and silk painting. Using an ancient method of singing in and over each one of her creations, guided by her ancestors she follows her spiritual songline and speaks positive words into the silk, dyes and water.
Instagram: @lyn_al
Jarra Karalinar Steel: BARRAEEMAL TEERRANDEERR (emu egg)
Artist statement
The emu eggs have a strong presence in my life, being taught by my Elders on Country, how to hunt for the eggs as a child and having memories of watching them engrave them with nature motifs. The strong contrast of the dark blue green of the shell and the lighter colour inside always sticks heavily in my memory.
Influenced by this, I use the egg as a way of self-expression to keep me connected to my Ancestors, in honour of them.
About the artist
A Boon Wurrung and Wemba Wemba woman born in Melbourne Australia, Jarra is a descendant of Louisa Briggs and Daughter of N'arweet Carolyn Briggs.
A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts she is currently studying for a Master of Fine Arts at RMIT after spending a year in Paris refining her skills.
Jarra is a multidisciplinary artist working across different mediums from; sculpture, writing; photography, writing, drawing, painting, film making, fashion design and costumes for theatre production.
Photography by James Henry