THE IAG Research Centre in Newington, has unveiled a new artwork created by Aboriginal artist and D’harawal Saltwater knowledge keeper, Shannon Foster.
He said the work, entitled Gumal, was inspired by the spirit of friendship among the staff of IAG and influenced by the custodians of the land where the Centre is situated, the Wangal people of the Badu Mangrove wetlands on the Parramatta River.
“Gumal is an expression of the gathering spaces within local Aboriginal cultures,” he said.
“A key feature of the artwork is the use of handprints to reflect the Sydney Aboriginal art that can be found on the saltwater coastlines.”
IAG Research Centre director Oliver Klaus says it embodies their “dedication to reconciliation and celebrates the culture and history of our First Nations people”.
“The artwork is truly a reflection of the Country and the Aboriginal culture and incorporates elements from the local Parramatta River wetlands like the sand, soil and water,” he said.
IAG’s stable of brands includes NRMA Insurance and CGU Insurance, and the centre works with the automotive industry to carry out physical testing and data analysis on car safety issues, as well as providing technical information for the smash repair industry.
Staff inspire art creation
☐ A new artwork by Aboriginal artist and D’harawal Saltwater knowledge keeper, Shannon Foster, takes pride of place at the IAG Research Centre in Newington.
