Narrabeen Public Art Installations

Coastal Culture by Jessica Birk 2019

“This artwork concept has been developed as a symbolic reference to the layered kinship systems and lore that define the way Aboriginal people are culturally and spiritually connected to their families and everything around them. This includes their “Country”, the land they belong to, the objects they use, the foods they eat and the medicines they use. It also includes the many animals and plants that live alongside them and elements that surround them. Cultural knowledge and kinship lore have ensured generations of families living on and caring for the landscape of Northern Sydney and the beaches for thousands of years. The graphic designs and linear patterns used...are a contemporary expression of this cultural knowledge...that illustrate how Aboriginal people view and connect to the land as part of a contemporary, ongoing practice.”

Born on the Northern Beaches of Sydney where she still lives and works, Jessica is a proud descendant of the Yaegl people from the Northern Rivers of NSW, the Clarence Valley. Her imagery serves as a metaphor for the strength and enduring quality of the ancestral presence within the landscape. She was named the joint winner of the 2009 QANTAS Young and Emerging Indigenous Art Award, was a finalist in the 2006 Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize, had a solo Exhibition at Willoughby Council's Incinerator Art Gallery in 2012 and continues to work on commissions.
https://www.boomalli.com.au/jessica-birk/

Self Portrait by Cameron Bloom 2014

“My images have always portrayed a sense of beauty, whether physical or emotional. In the images I have submitted ... there is a distinct theme of belonging which is central to the Be Here! creative vision and overview. I want people to feel inspired by seeing how a connection to our local environment and nature in general is key to our well-being. And the more connected with nature we are, the happier we feel.”

In Aboriginal culture, Magpies are the peacemakers and the great communicators. As totem ancestors they are the fearless ones and if given this as a personal totem you are considered fearless in the face of adversity but have the knowledge to know when there are disagreements to listen and take stock. In other words, they know when to swoop and take stock and when to depart and keep peace. The magpie in this work is called Penguin – the star of one of the Northern Beaches most famous contemporary stories. Cameron is probably best known for this work photographing his family’s relationship with Penguin in the internationally famous book “Penguin Bloom” soon to become a film.

A professional photographer of 20 years’ experience with a body of work spanning corporate, travel and portraiture. Cameron has held successful solo shows both in Australia and overseas and has had work published in several publications. Cameron’s personality lends itself to portraiture – people and creatures -and he is also probably best known for his work photographing his family’s relationship with a magpie in the internationally famous book “Penguin Bloom” soon to become a film. Cameron lives with his family on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
https://bloomphotography.com

Reach For The Sky by M-Lon 2019

“Humpback Whales are an important symbol for the beaches in Sydney. During their migration season they can easily be spotted. The first time I saw one from shore was in Narrabeen. Whales are an animal that make us think of magic, strength, beauty, movement and peace – just like the Northern Beaches make us feel.”

Miguel Gonzalez [AKA M-Lon] is from Caracas, Venezuela currently based in Sydney’s northern beaches. He is an architect and is self-taught in visual arts and illustration. His figurative yet conceptual style using acrylic, charcoal, graphite, spray paint, ink and digital media portray issues that affect society and the people living in it. Miguel has participated in murals, illustrations for magazines, customizing art toys, art for video games, concept art for the TV industry, publications and has been part of national and international group and solo exhibitions.
https://www.m-lon.com.au