Luke Mallie

Green Sea Turtle Dreaming

The turtle is a free spirit and can glide gracefully through the ocean for over a hundred years. Many people can see the joy in the spirit of a turtle because if lives as though it doesn't have a worry in the world.

Rainforest Warrior

This painting depicts the oldest living rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest, where my ancestors the Kuku Yalanji people have lived for millennia. With the Rainforest Warrior in the foreground, it shows the connection that Aboriginal people have to the land and sea and still have a very strong spiritual connection to the land that our ancestors belonged to. In the background you can see the mouth of the Daintree River where my mother was born so this land is very special to me and my family. In the Kuku Yalanji language we call the land "Bubu" meaning country.

Voice Treaty Truth

When we learn from yesterday it makes us stronger today. Respect for each other allows us all to have a voice. The two boys represent a brighter future for Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures to live in harmony and unity.

Nature Girl Spirit

'Her' is represented by this young woman but she also has the ever-changing growth and beauty of mother nature. She smiles because she knows that all things will blossom into amazing creations as life evolves. The bright colours within her represent the beautiful colours within nature.

Heal Country - Elements

In ancient times, Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders observed the sun, moon and stars to navigate the land. A deep understanding was nurtured through a symbiotic relationship with the cycles of nature, meaning our ancestors were able to predict seasonal changes, weather patterns, and be in sync with the native flora and fauna. The Milky Way shines bright with our ancestors and stories. We see the Dark Emu in our sky, which guides our laws and customs. First Australians recognise this science and know that we all have a responsibility to value this knowledge to heal Country and stay true to our treasured land.

While the ancient Greeks believed that there were four elements that everything was made up of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, it is the everlasting presence of spirit that brings strength and beauty in all that is around us. Understanding and believing the fullness of our cultural heritage is guided by the stars above, the land beneath our feet and the spirit all around us. The purity and health of the land and water is vital to sustainability and the healing of our nation. All Australians need to carry in their hearts the significance and value of our ancestors and reflect First Nations peoples cultural knowledge and understanding of Country.

Kangaroo & Goanna Dreaming

The Kangaroo and Goanna spirits are strong and they can dwell in the same land without any threat from the other. They are both unique to this land but their spirits are everywhere. When warriors eat these animals, they will capture their spirit and gain their strength.

Together We Rise

Our national identity is a beautiful fusion of many different cultures. As Australians we can all be proud and appreciate the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the oldest living civilisation on earth. To secure justice and protection for all Australians, we must stand together because the momentum for change lies in the unity of all people seeking positive action.

We rise through the synergy of togetherness and harmony. A man and a woman stand in solidarity to harness their unique strengths. They continue a journey of change to honour and celebrate elders and all those who have stood before us.

The brolga reminds us of the wisdom of storytelling, and the invaluable sense of truth that emerges when we value and nurture local knowledge of Country. The crocodile represents the power of primordial wisdom, giving us a sense of courage to amplify our voices and embed systemic change through recognition and respect of ancient culture and traditional ways.

Together we rise! The gift of wings appear to elevate the cause, affirming our ability to rise up – we look to the sky, a deep hue of stormy blue, divine guidance from the sun, moon and stars above, shining bright as an eternal source of life, inspiring an unwavering sense of hope and love to move forward as one. - Luke Mallie

Connecting The Past to a Brighter Future

(NAIDOC 2023)

Our Elders have seen a lot of changes in their time but always continue to move forward with a commitment to teaching the traditional ways through art, song, dance and storytelling. This is how each generation builds respect and we become contemporary custodians of culture and identity.

All things are connected. Elders create a connection to our history, bringing together Dreaming Stories and Country to preserve culture and wisdom for everyone. The meeting symbol is in the centre of the artwork, showing us coming together, being taught to be strong, overcome adversity, advocate for survival and nurture a sense of appreciation for all those who come before us.

The artwork shows the vibrant colour and beauty of our community, through the experience and wisdom of male and female role models who teach us important lessons. Our world is a brighter and richer place when we respect and honour our Elders, brightening the future through cultural knowledge, appreciation and a deep love for one another.

Neon

Mualgal is the name of the people from Moa (Banks) island in Torres Strait.

Aqua

Mualgal is the name of the people from Moa (Banks) island in Torres Strait.

Reverse

Mualgal is the name of the people from Moa (Banks) island in Torres Strait.

Cockatoo Firebird

This artwork features a colourful cockatoo, a large and intelligent bird that can be found all over Australia. The use of colour and shapes is suggestive of flame and smoke. Some of Australia’s species of cockatoo are endangered and this bold design reminds us of the beauty inherent in this large bird and how important it is to protect and maintain the environments that they call home.

Currumbin Sunset

Currumbin sunset depicts the luscious landscape surrounding the Currumbin area and the vibrant colours of a setting sun. This artwork shows the natural beauty of the Currumbin Valley and the diversity of the plants and wildlife. This gorgeous area is home to so much life and it is important to preserve that as much as we can so that future generations will be able to experience the same beauty as we do.

Celestial Rhythms: The Dance of Generations

This artwork captures the essence of strength, vision, and legacy as the next generation rises, deeply connected to the earth, moon, and stars. Figures move in harmony, their dance weaving past and future together, symbolising resilience and unity. There is an eternal bond between humanity and the universe, this piece celebrates the unbreakable spirit that carries wisdom forward, embracing the rhythm of life and the infinite possibilities that await.

Maroon Warrior

Just as a gladiator wearing their armour, this design represents the armour, strength and legacy of our Ancestral Warriors, incorporating boomerangs, clap sticks and a central meeting place. With a fusion of modern elements and patterns, it brings a deep cultural connection to this modern day battle shield.