For the public art project Balarinji worked with community-endorsed Dharug woman, author, educator and multi-disciplinary artist Jasmine Seymour. Jasmine created artwork that is deeply connected to Place and depicts local eels, fish, rivers and local birdlife. It also references the many rock engraving found across Dharug Country, connecting the site with ancient Dharug narratives and the signature artforms of Jasmine’s ancestors.
The stories of Binyang birds, Wala the snapper, Gerad the black cockatoo, Kirrawi the white cockatoo and Djarrawunag the magpie all feature within the artwork.
It was created in honour of what Country can teach you when you listen.
In the words of Jasmine Seymour, “Walk softly on Dharug Country, our ancestors still walk with you.”
Through her art and books Jasmine wants people to know that the Dharug people are still here and still strong. Her work is inspired by Sydney rock engravings and is a response to the stories they still hold and tell.
