Marrup Biik − Spirit Land

This mural presents a spiritual map of Maroondah, imagined from locally-based artist Simone Thomson’s own cultural perspective.

The work was developed through a process of painted panels which were enlarged and translated into vinyl adhesive for the stairwell of the Realm building. As part of the commission, the artist has donated the original paintings to the Maroondah City Council Art Collection. To accompany the mural, Simone Thomson has provided the following Dreaming Story and key to symbols included in the work.

Simone Thomson (Wurundjeri/Yorta Yorta), Marrup Biik − 'Spirit Land'. Vinyl adhesive on wall (based on original sequence of three paintings consisting of acrylic, sand, gold filament, gold leaf, moulding past, pearlescent pigment on canvas).

Artist statement

Dreaming Story

Aboriginal people have the oldest living continuous Culture on earth. We are the people of the earth; we are people of Country. We are made from the clay from Country from our Spirit Creator’s hands, our hair is taken from the stringy bark trees that nestle the land with lush forests. Our heartbeat can be felt in the gentle vibrations underfoot, that consistent thudding of an ancient, timeless pulse.

This is where our heart is. This is where our spirit lives. This is Spirit Land. Marrup Biik.

Our Spirit Creator took the form of the Wedgetail Eagle, he is Bunjil. He created the rivers and mountains and valleys and land. He created all the creatures of the Sky Country and creatures of the Water Country, he created all the creatures of the Earth Country. He created Country for his people.

The traditional language group for the Wurundjeri People is Woi-Wurrung. In the Woi-Wurrung language the word ‘Wurundjeri’ is broken into two parts. ‘Wurun’ meaning ‘Manna Gumtree’ and ‘djeri’ meaning the white grub that lives in the tree − the witchetty grub.

The Wurundjeri People are represented by gum leaves throughout the painting, signifying respect to the Ancestors. Their voices can still be heard in the whispering trees, they are never far.

simone thomson spirit land gum leaves

The Yarra River is traditionally known as ‘Birrarung’, River of Mist and Shadows. The sand banks of this majestic waterway are represented by grains of earth throughout the panels, by the gritty textured ridges featured throughout. Within the textured surface lie delicate gold leaf waves, the gold leaf lines represent the gentle ripples of flowing water downstream.

The river is a significant waterway for the Wurundjeri People and was a great food source providing fish, eels and river birds. Our people travelled up and down the river on bark canoes taken from the mighty gums along the banks. These canoes allowed passage further upstream for important trade and meetings.

These gold leaf ripples also signify the flowing water of the Mullum-Mullum Creek, the Dandenong Creek, the Taralla, Bungalook, Brushy and Jumping Creeks. The smaller textured ridges that stem from the mouth of the Birrarung represent the major creeks and waterways throughout the Maroondah region. They are the veins of life for Country, each water source continues to play a significant role in the day to day survival of our people and native animals.

simone thomson spirit land creeks

The familiar mountainous ranges on Wurundjeri Country including the Dandenong Ranges are signified by both the brilliant violet backdrop and layered hilly mounds. They represent the bush landscape and environment in which our healing medicines were found, in which our food was also sourced, and our shelter gained. It’s where skins from the possum and kangaroo were taken for warmth and clothing for our people.

Communities that live along these creek trails are represented by ‘n’ shapes signifying the presence of Indigenous people throughout Maroondah and our significant contributions to the community.

Large concentric circles represent the powerful Cultural heritage and past of Wurundjeri People in this area. Just as the circle has no beginning and no end, so is the way of Aboriginal People. We have always been − we will always be. The continuous Cultural connection and presence of the Woi-Wurrung is signified by unbroken waves that extend from the circle representing our spiritual presence now − and in the future.

simone thomson spirit land centric circle

Clusters of multi-layered dots expand from smaller circular motifs extending towards the mountains and waterways. The multiple layers represent the diverse communities and cultural heritages within the Maroondah region − present day. It acknowledges the respectful blend of two worlds meeting on the traditional lands of an ancient people.

The largest and most central circle in the piece represents the Gathering and Meeting Place that is Realm. It celebrates the coming together of these two worlds sharing stories and knowledge in a place of belonging for all people, for all community. As with Cultural protocol, all visitors are welcome.

Joined circles connect within the circle representing the diverse cultures and peoples within Maroondah connected by the common use of the Gathering Meeting Place. At the heart of the circle, ‘n’ figures meet for respectful talking and listening in this place of knowledge, just as it was done and continues to be in Aboriginal Lore and Culture.

So, listen closely to the whispering trees when they speak to you, you may hear the spirit of the Ancestors welcoming you. You may feel the spirit of the land − Marrup Biik − embracing you.

About the Artist

Aboriginal artist Simone Thomson is a Wurundjeri Traditional Owner of the Yarra-Yarra Clan, and a Yorta-Yorta Traditional Owner of the Ulupna and Moira Clans. Thomson is Irish/Scottish through her father. The artist has a background in cultural dance and language translation and was the first graduate of Worawa Aboriginal College. Simone attributes her cultural education and intergenerational knowledge to her mother and grandmother as passed down through oral history. The artist has a strong connection with Maroondah. Thomson has undertaken many commissions and collaborations and has exhibited widely throughout Victoria. Her work is held in private collections throughout Victoria and overseas.