A Indigenous artwork in the foyer of Hudson Institute marks a new chapter in our history, as we look to our past and to the future with equal pride.
The unveiling of the Indigenous artwork coincides with the Institute registering with Reconciliation Australia and beginning development of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Titled Ya-yanha Daborra, meaning ‘to go along a pathway’ in Yorta Yorta language, the spectacular Indigenous artwork was commissioned by Hudson Institute and created by brother and sister team Luke and Siena Tieri.
Its design represents engagement and connection between the Institute, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and our industry colleagues.
Indigenous artwork reflects community engagement
Luke Tieri said the finished artwork took 40 hours to complete and they chose colours that reflect Hudson Institute and its engagement with community.
“Incorporating Hudson’s colours personalises the Indigenous artwork and makes it representative of the ways Hudson Institute is engaging with colleagues and community, and building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said.
Siena Tieri said the process of developing the Indigenous artwork was fluid and organic: “We started with a light sketch of the design on the canvas and developed and evolved elements as we progressed,” she said.
“We completed the central component first – the yarning circles and learning pathways – before moving outwards.
“The dashed orange line depicting Hudson Institute’s reconciliation journey was originally blue – we changed it to orange to be brighter and more prominent in the painting.”
It was a fitting choice, according to Dr Jason Cain, who chairs Hudson Institute’s Institute’s Equity and Diversity Committee.
“We are in the early stages of developing a Reconciliation Action Plan that will outlay all of Hudson Institute’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities and actions,” Dr Cain said.
Committed to promoting reconciliation
“Hudson Institute is committed to promoting reconciliation and improving awareness, education and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as part of our broader diversity and inclusion agenda.”
The process of developing the ‘Reflect’ RAP will occur over the coming months and involves scoping and developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, deciding on our vision for reconciliation and exploring our sphere of influence.
The elements of the Indigenous artwork are described below, by the artists Luke and Siena Tieri.
