.

Zart Extra Term 3 2009

Aboriginal Art Mural

Stonnington Primary School

Stonnington Primary School children carried out a reconciliation project exploring Aboriginal art and culture. They looked at different symbols and patterns and then created their own personal designs.

These designs were used to create a fabulous mural on a school wall. The children were assisted in the painting of the mural by talented artists Peter Mackay and Colleen Burke. Art teacher, Miss Connie Barkatsas coordinated this wonderful art project.

The project culminated in many members of the public coming to celebrate the opening of this project for Reconciliation Week. The mural was opened by the Mayor of Stonnington, Counsellor John Chandler and a representative of the Boon Wurrung community, Fay Muir.

Stonnington Primary School

Peter Mackay “Judda”
Aboriginal artist Peter Mackay lives in Melbourne with his partner and five young children. His mother is Aboriginal from the Baranbinja tribe and his father is Tongan. He works in schools sharing his skills in painting, dancing and playing the didgeridoo. He is passionate about sharing his culture with young children and believes that to understand Aboriginal art you need to understand their culture. It is through storytelling that this culture can be shared with others. He encourages students to tell their story in the style of Indigenous Australian Artists.

Peter is on the Zart Art Artist Registry, to view his profile visit www.zartart.com.au
Zart Art worked with Peter on a unit of work to provide teachers with a starting point to confidently teach Indigenous Australian Art. Many teachers are unsure if non-indigenous students should use Aboriginal symbols in their artworks. Peter encourages them to and to also create their own symbols that represent their story.

He painted six background designs to show his connection to the land and sea. These backgrounds provide a canvas for young artists to use in visually representing their or their ancestors stories. The background designs may be used either as a background or cut up and collaged on to a painted or coloured paper. Peter also painted his own story for students to look at and discuss.

Download a PDF version of this article

© Copyright Zart Art 2009

Key words: Zart Extra, newsletter, article, school projects, teacher resource,