Ray Thomas (Gunnai), Toom-buk Toom-nangi, Telling Their Stories, Aboriginal Melbourne, Contemporary art, 2000
Summary
The colours represent the people of the world. Black, Red, Yellow and White. The design is about all the peoples coming to the table to talk and reconcile for the future. The central oval shape relates to a shield and also a boardroom table where meetings and discussions are held.
In 2000 the City of Melbourne commissioned Aboriginal artists to create a series of banners based on the traditional stories of nations and clan groups in Victoria.
The artworks depict symbols, landmarks, animals and stories that are important to the tribes and clans of southern Australia as well as to the artists themselves.
Some of the animals and landmarks include: the eel or Kuuyang of the Kirrae Wurrong clan in south western Victoria; the sand dunes and river red gums of the Yorta Yorta people who live beside the Murray River; and the carved shield patterns of the Bra Baloong clan of east Gippsland.
The project was called Toom-buk Toom-nang - Telling Their Stories and was coordinated by Kimba Thompson.
