Gawura
Artist: Jasmine Sarin
The colours show my respects to the sea and the waterways which feed into it. The dots and circle patterns are symbolic of the tides and swell. The overall artwork is an acknowledgement to the many whale stories that are ingrained in our culture along the east coast from country to country. The Whale dreaming is layered with both sacred and spiritual knowledge. Different stories told by different people help keep creation stories and everyday knowledge part of culture, each layer holding different knowledge systems to ensure important information is maintained. This is the story of knowing when migration starts by knowing the subtle changes across our landscape.
Jasmine Sarin
A proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman from NSW. Born and raised in Wollongong (Dharawal country). My artwork features bright and bold colours with narratives linked to the way we connect, the way we come together, and how we grow as a community. Concentric circles, connection lines, floral emblems, and textured patterns symbolise the landscape reflecting my cultural connection to country
Like our First Nations stories, this place exists to share knowledge. Indeed, it was here that Australia’s first novel, The Guardian, was written and published by Anna Maria Bunn at her waterside home, Newstead House, in 1838. The International Convention Centre, Sydney, was designed expressly to attract the world’s brightest minds to share their knowledge through global conferences. Since reopening in 2016, ICC Sydney has hosted 3,000 events, attracting 4 million visitors.
Situated in the heart of the New Sydney Waterfront Precinct, at the intersection of Sydney’s academic, cultural and technology districts, ICC Sydney is able to provide conference delegates, exhibitors and visitors with an authentic immersive experience of Australia’s global city. More than a landmark venue, ICC Sydney functions as an incubator for ideas, a knowledge exchange, a champion of change and an advocate for community.
First Nations Audio Narrative: With thanks to our Indigenous Cultural Advisors, Aunty Jo Selfe and Uncle Graham Toomey, and special contributors who have generously shared important stories of place. Listen to the First Nations Audio Narrative here.
Charity Auction
Love Whale Tales? Want to keep one?
You can! After the Waterfront Whale Tales trail concludes, all 30 sculptures will be offered for purchase at a dedicated art auction at Sydney Maritime Museum, Terrace Room.
The net proceeds from the auction will go to The Kids’ Cancer Project.
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