'Welcome to Birpai Country' - that's the message visitors to Port Macquarie-Hastings will be greeted with from this week as they come through arrivals at Port Macquarie Airport.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Birrbay artist Angela Marr-Grogan's spectacular artwork celebrates Birpai Country's saltwater and freshwater waterways, totems, dreaming and song lines.
Ms Marr-Grogan won Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's Port Macquarie Airport Terminal Building Aboriginal Artwork Design Competition.
Her artwork has been translated onto a vinyl wall graphic in the upgraded airport terminal building.
Ms Marr-Grogan said she is always honoured to share her love of cultural arts and connection to country.
The artwork was unveiled during NAIDOC Week.
She describes the artwork as a welcoming piece titled Guudji Yiigu Birrbayga Barrayga, which means Welcome to Birpai Country in her traditional language of Gathang.
"It highlights Birpai country's beauty and my people's connection to it," she said.
"The artwork is typical of my artistic style and is contemporary, bold and fresh in design.
"It symbolises our song lines and story, featuring our local totems "gimbay", as well as highlighting our stunning saltwater and freshwater waterways."
Ms Marr-Grogan's inspiration, as with most of her artworks, came from her connection to and love of country.
She is Birrbay woman born and raised in Port Macquarie.
"I like to create artworks that are not only aesthetically pleasing to look at but the story and the meaning behind those works shine through," she said.
"This piece also features my traditional language of Gathang - being able to celebrate and share my love of language within my creative works is the perfect cultural creative fusion.
"I hope that this love translates to others and that everyone enjoys the piece as much as I loved creating it."
The artist and designer specialises in culturally-inspired imagery and design and also enjoys creating private commissioned art and forever pieces for family homes as well as custom gifts.
"My creative world is always evolving and I'm excited about exploring more opportunities in cultural arts teaching and consultation," she said.
"Encouraging and supporting community artists to create not only for cultural reasons but for the opportunities that art and design can bring is a focus area.
"It's exciting times in terms of cultural arts with an increasing interest in and demand for Aboriginal art and practises locally.
"There's a growing appreciation within the wider community who are valuing the tradition, story and beauty of Aboriginal art forms."
Ms Marr-Grogan is also active in protecting Aboriginal artists' rights.
What else is making news?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
