Dalaigur Preschool's artwork Nyanhang Nyinda (Me You) will be part of the Biennale of Sydney 2020 exhibition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Nyanhang Nyinda was created by the children and community of Dalaigur and Scribbly Gum preschools and included participation from Elders from the Booroongen Djugun Community. The artwork featured in the 2018 Sculpture in the Gaol exhibition.
The project was facilitated by Dunghutti Elder Uncle John Kelly together with art therapist Rena Shein working with Gunawirra, a not-for-profit organisation.
The artwork is based on the Dreamtime story 'The King of the Birds'. The children worked with family members and the community to create nests and eggs from clay which were then placed in a canoe made by Uncle John.
Over 200 artists from two-years-old to 96 years of age worked together to create the nests and eggs, while the Dreamtime story was told to the children by Elders Uncle John Kelly and Aunty Vicky Taylor.
Cultural facilitator at Dalaigur Preschool, Uncle John Kelly said everyone participated in creating the artwork and to have it featured in the Biennale of Sydney is a big achievement.
"Everyone got involved to tell the story of the bird. Everyone did a really good job and to have the artwork leap frog to this next level is really great," Uncle John said.
"The artwork will be at the exhibition from early May to June and then will be travelling around to different parts of the country."
Acting director at Dalaigur Preschool Debbie Swanson said the process of making the artwork was educational for the children.
"They were taught the Dunghutti words to go with the story by Vicky Taylor and also participated in dance as well to connect to culture," she said.
"It was beautiful to see the community and the children at the preschool work together to create the artwork.
"We feel very proud in our little centre being featured in the 2020 Biennale of Sydney."
The Biennale of Sydney is an important national and international art exhibition with hundreds of artists from Australia and worldwide showcasing their work.
Ngangan Nyinda will be part of the Biennale learning program, Our Path, which highlights the educational practices of artists and community leaders in regional New South Wales.