Hannah Felsbourg
17 July 2024
A First Nations painting has become a symbol of healing and reconciliation for St Mark’s Spotswood.
The artwork by Gunditjmara artist Rhett Wilson depicts praying hands and a cross surrounded by Indigenous imagery of the divine.
St Mark’s vicar the Reverend Dave Fuller said the project was significant for the artist’s healing process.
He said Mr Wilson shared that focusing on the project helped him adjust to life on the outside after being released from prison.
Mr Fuller said Mr Wilson’s vision highlighted the presence of God in the Indigenous story before colonisation.
It included portrayals of Indigenous deities including the Rainbow Serpent and the Ancestral Wedge-tailed Eagle Bunjil.
St Mark’s has run the Learning Circle group for seven years, focusing on hearing stories of Indigenous people through guest speakers and books.
Mr Fuller said reconciliation has its roots deep in Christianity, with many of its early champions being Christians.
He said St Mark’s was committed to biblical justice and wanted to see reparation and healing in that space.
Mr Wilson’s painting was exhibited in the display window at St Mark’s Spotswood on Melbourne Rd during NAIDOC Week.
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