The Rainbow Serpent was seen as the heart of Aboriginal Dreamtime worship for thousands of years. A sacred creation being, this mythical creature was known by many names including Goorialla / Kuktu and was said to have created the gullies, billabongs, channels and all their inhabitants on its way. To honour 50 years since the Indigenous Referendum, the artist celebrates this turning point in affairs with a beautiful reminder of indigenous kinship, culture, physical and spiritual strength. Additionally, it tributes the craftsmanship of mainland and saltwater people: a young family chases the serpent across lines of handmade iridescent maireener shell necklaces. The painting’s message? “Into the future, hold your culture and family close, no matter what turbulence or imbalance tempers you – one day white men will see.”