The Queensland Children’s Hospital celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (4 August) with the launch of a vibrant new mural by First Nations artist Casey Coolwell-Fisher.
Mrs Coolwell-Fisher, a Quandamooka woman of the Nunukal people from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), created the 11m x 3m artwork in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to help create a welcoming and culturally safe environment for families entering the hospital.
Titled ‘Returning from visit’ the mural represents the experience of children and families returning home after a visit to the hospital.
“Two large boomerangs at each end of the design represent leaving and returning, while the inner elements in the design symbolise our beings, communities, walking and spiritual paths, Mrs Coolwell-Fisher said.
“The returning boomerangs carry our Ancestors on the outside. They are here with us on our visit and when we return home.
“Outer flow lines connect with the boomerangs to form our circle of life. Dots represent the footprints we follow. Our loved ones follow our path, helping and guiding.
“Icons in the middle of the design symbolise our beings (hands and feet), our healing (leaves and food (fish)) and our stories (Boomerangs, Dharis and animal totems).
“The background shows the complexity of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we are all different yet connected in some way.”
As the mother of a young son, Ms Coolwell-Fisher said she understood well the journeys undertaken by families who bring their children to the hospital for treatment.
“I hope the colours and story of this mural will brighten the days of all who see it when they come the hospital.”
“I want people to feel welcomed and connected, and create their own stories within the handprints, animals, dots and the lines in the mural.”
Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement at Children’s Health Queensland, Angela Young (Kullalli/Koa) said the mural represented so much more than just a beautiful new art piece.
“First impressions are important within healing environments. The role of artwork in this context is to acknowledge, connect, reflect and inspire.
“Returning from Visit acknowledges the value that we place on the cultural songlines of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people that visit here; it reflects their experiences as they engage with our services; and will inspire those who work here to provide the very best care to them and their families.
The mural project was a collaboration between Children’s Health Queensland’s Arts in Health program and Blaklash, an Aboriginal design agency specialising in First Nations placemaking.
For more about the story behind the mural, watch this video.