Ipswich in Summer 2020/2021

It’s hard to miss Rachael Sarra’s artwork, titled Distant Country. It is the largest of seven murals painted earlier this year across Ipswich CBD. The murals were painted as part of Brisbane Street Art Festival’s Ipswich program. Featuring her signature palette of vivid pinks and oranges, Distant Country tells the story of Sarra’s connection STORYTELLING THROUGH STREET ART

“I’m using tools that didn’t exist for our people even 20 years ago, let alone 250 years so I would say I’m playing a role in the evolution of our art as Aboriginal people.” It took 12 days – and many litres of paint – for Sarra to complete the artwork. “It was definitely out of my comfort zone being so large and high and it was a lot of hard work but I think it adds a real vibrancy to our city,” Sarra said. The mural, Distant Country, is on the side of Ipswich Health Plaza, visible from East Street. For a map of all seven artworks delivered during the Brisbane Street Art Festival, visit Discoveripswich.com.au/newstreetart

to country and her place as a contemporary Aboriginal artist.

“It explores the idea that although I’ve lived in Ipswich my whole life, I’m a proud Goreng Goreng woman and culturally

I do connect back to Bundaberg, so it’s this idea of connection and

disconnection and place,” Ms Sarra said. “My work is based on my experiences, and as modern mixed race Aboriginal woman it automatically takes it away from the more traditional styles of Aboriginal art.

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