Indigenous artist Jenna Oldaker’s latest artwork is a celebration of inspirational women and focuses on the theme of equity. She chats with Jena Carr about the piece which was unveiled on International Women’s Day.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and contemporary indigenous artist Jenna Oldaker released a new artwork in honour of International Women’s Day.
Oldaker’s piece, named Wunggurrwil Ba-gurrk Murrup, or Strong Woman Spirit, was unveiled as a mural to the public on Wednesday at the Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay.
Oldaker said she mainly worked with acrylic paints on a canvas and that the artwork was a “contemporary take on Aboriginal art”.
“This artwork is a celebration of all the strong women that have travelled this beautiful land that we are lucky enough to call home,” she said.
“It’s very colourful, vibrant, bright colours and is a little bit different from the traditional artwork you may see.
“It’s accessible to everyone, and people can interpret and enjoy it differently.
“Hopefully people can take something away from it, have their own interpretation, and learn a little bit as well.”
Oldaker said there was a big focus on equity rather than equality for the artwork, which keeps with this year’s International Women’s Day theme of embracing equity.
“That was a really big part of it for us and really embracing the women of my own culture and my own family, the women that inspire me every day,” she said.
“Then also all the women in the community, so it was really important to have that focus on family, community and with inspirational women being the focal point.
“The centre point is the symbol for woman, and another part of the artwork is the symbol for the star, which symbolises our elders looking down at us, providing us with their wisdom, knowledge and guidance.
“It’s got the journey line connecting all of these elements together to show the continuity between us all so that we give back to one another, our culture, our land and the community that we’re in.”
Oldaker said her favourite part about the mural, commissioned by Surf Coast council, was the ability to fully run with the Women’s Day theme without any restrictions.
“To be able to interpret it in my own way using my own culture, history and stories was so much fun,” she said.
“It was really significant to be able to do that as a female artist myself and not be held back by anything and just to be able to fully express myself was really great.”
Oldaker said that most of the inspiration behind her artworks came from her elders, culture and family.
“My biggest influence is my grandmother Aunty Violet McPherson. We spent a lot of time together doing art and crafts, and she taught me a lot of what I know,” she said.
“She was a really big inspiration for me. We would always spend a lot of time creating together, and she was always teaching me new things and sharing her history and culture with me.
“Her stories, and many dream time stories, are a big part of my inspiration on why I do what I do.
“A big part of why I create art based around my own culture is for education as well. I do a lot of work with schools and volunteer work.
“I think it’s our responsibility as the next generation to ensure that these things carry on like our culture and history.
“A great way of being able to share that with people and to communicate and educate is through art I feel.”
Oldaker said all her artworks were named in the traditional Wadawurrung language, which included her latest piece that had been turned into a mural by the council.
“I feel that’s a really great way to educate, and people can pick up on new words and learn new things in a fun and new way, especially for children,” she said.
“You can see the real difference between generations. Children know what country they’re on now, and have a greater understanding of Aboriginal history and culture.
“Our ancestors and elders travelled these same lands sharing their culture, sharing their stories and ideas, and it is now our responsibility to take care of and nurture our Wadawurrung Country home.
“It’s important that we carry on all the work that they’ve (the elders) done previously because they’ve done a lot of the hard work, or all the hard work, and that’s why it’s our responsibility to ensure that our culture, history, and language in particular survive.”
Oldaker said she learnt she was Aboriginal from a young age and felt “lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful people”, like her mum Aunty Joy Oldaker who performed the Welcome to Country during Wednesday’s unveiling.
“I think it’s really exciting and I think it really plays on that point of International Women’s Day as the Wurdi Baierr Stadium is somewhat seen as a very male dominated space,” she said.
“They’ve (council) chosen the right spot for it, and I think it’ll really start those conversations.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity from the shire and the support and want to acknowledge the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
“It’s really, really important for them and we appreciate it.”
Mayor Liz Pattison said the unveiling event on Wednesday was part of a special celebratory day close to councillors’ hearts.
“Council’s annual International Women’s Day celebration is a highlight on our calendar as we raise awareness about how important it is to keep striving towards gender equality in our community.
“I’m delighted that this year’s event also supports council’s commitment to reconciliation and the need to grow our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.”
Oldaker is a visual artist who works under Murrup Art (Murrup is the Wadawurrung word for spirit). Her artwork can be viewed on Instagram at www.instagram.com/murrup_art.
