NAIDOC Week 2024, held from Sunday 7 to Sunday 14 July, is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2024 at Westfield North Lakes, an original artwork has been commissioned from local Indigenous artist Lauren Rogers. Learn more about the artist and the artwork below.

'Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud'

By artist: Lauren Rogers

The artwork "Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud" is a powerful representation of the enduring spirit and resilience of the First Nations peoples.

Through its three parts, the painting captures the interconnectedness between sky, land, and sea, serving as a visual testament to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's deep connection with Country.

At the heart of the artwork lies a vibrant fire, symbolising the gathering of people to share stories and engage in yarning. Surrounding the fire are footprints of emus, kangaroos, hunting tools, boomerangs, and clapsticks, paying homage to the rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. Including bush berries further emphasises the importance of honouring and respecting Country.

Above, the sky represents the celestial realm, featuring the sun, moon, and stars. This celestial tapestry holds significant cultural and spiritual value, as it guides navigation and connects people to the ancient stories and wisdom passed down through generations.

Beneath the fire, water bubbles are depicted, symbolising the importance of water and its connection to life. In the bottom right of the artwork, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are represented, symbolising recognition, reconciliation, and truth-telling.

Overall, "Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud" is a poignant tribute to First Nations peoples' strength, endurance, and resilience. It honours their deep-rooted connection to land, sky, and water while highlighting the journey towards reconciliation and truth-telling. Through its vibrant iconography and powerful symbolism, this artwork invites viewers to engage with and reflect upon the rich cultural heritage of Australia's First Nations peoples.

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About the artist: Lauren Rogers

Lauren Rogers, Indigenous artist

Lauren Rogers is a Contemporary Australian Indigenous artist, author and digital designer with ancestral bloodlines to Ngarabal Nation.

Art is an important platform for Lauren to share her culture, and she hopes people connect with the stories and meaning behind her work to learn more about First Nations’ culture, history, stories and language.

Lauren’s artistic vision and inspiration come from the changing landscapes of her adventures around Australia. She uses layers of fine dotting, line work, colour gradients, and Aboriginal symbolism/iconography, and loves to use bright colours that show extreme contrast and capture imagination.

Most people would recognise Lauren’s work through her canvases’ vibrant colours and intricate details.

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Join us this July for kids watercolour workshops on 6 - 7 July and 13 - 14 July. Find out more here >