Charles Darwin University (CDU) has announced its new First Nations branding, with Aboriginal artist and CDU Bachelor of Primary Education student Sharona Dardoongarly Bishop winning the University’s design competition for her work ‘Wise One.’
Incorporating the rich symbolism and vibrant imagery of the Ngaringman people of the Northern Territory, the artwork will be a centrepiece in CDU’s visual identity – featuring across the First Nations Student Support Guide and student site ‘Campfire;’ as well as across the university’s First Nations apparel and wider student, staff and alumni network.
At a recent special celebration event at the university’s Casuarina Campus, Bishop says she was “stoked” at the opportunity to share her artwork with the wider community.
“I’m from a small homeland called Bob’s Yard in Judbarra (Gregory National Park) and my Dreamtime stories come from my grandparents, who have sadly passed on,” she says.
“The symbols on my artworks – the patterns and colours – they represent the history of my people…of Australia.
“When people see my artwork, I want them to feel and know that it doesn’t matter who they are or where they come from, they have a rich shared culture as an Australian and that’s something to be proud of.”
Symbolic, complex work
Voted unanimously by a panel of judges that included CDU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman AO and Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership, Professor Reuben Bolt, Professor Bowman says the complexity of the work was a considerable drawcard in its selection.
“We had ‘Wise One’ up on a computer and at first you think it’s a cockatoo but the closer you delve into it there’s more and more pictures,” Bowman says.
“The image itself is great, but there are designs in here that can be used again and again – just one of the feathers is a work of art, it’s incredible.
“The project underscores CDU’s commitment to honouring First Nations culture and supporting First Nations voices, and to know that we have got such incredible talent amongst our student group is just wonderful.”
