Flames of the Dreamtime: Burning for Generations

Artwork Description

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2024, ‘Keep the Fire Burning, Black, Loud and Proud!’ honours the strength and vitality of the First Nations culture. The Fire symbolises the connection to Country, to each other and to the traditions and culture that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This artwork is centred around the Wallumettagal people’s totem, the Black Snapper fish. The illustrated pathways connect connect the Totem to various campfires to keep the fire burning. The people gathered around each campfire (U symbol), symbolise the Macquarie Community and unity between the First Nations people and the Wider Community. The blue waterways symbolise the Parramatta River and ensures that all campfires and meeting places are connected.

The artwork also includes an Eel from the Parramatta River, which shows the connection between the Wallumettagal people and the Burramattagal people. The stars depicted in the centre of the artwork represent the First Nations people and Elders who have passed and entered the Dreamtime. These people have been integral to keeping the fire burning and passing down our culture. The stars also symbolise the importance of the next generation to continue the journey of our ancestors and to keep the fire burning.

This Artwork shows the importance of connection of the Wallumettagal people and Unity between the First Nations people and the wider Community.

About the artist

Natalie Abraham is a proud 22-year-old Wadi Wadi and Walanga Muru artist from the South Coast of NSW. She has grown up and lived on Wallumettagal Country, attending local school St Kevin’s Eastwood, and is now a Student at Macquarie University, studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Psychology. She has always had a passion for the arts and has recently been creating more often as an avenue for her grief after the sudden passing of her sister. She has always had a strong connection to the Wallumettagal Country and feels an even stronger connection since laying her sister to rest on this Country. 

We at Macquarie Centre are honoured to share Natalie’s artwork acknowledging the Wallumettagal Country and the Dharug Nation.