New Communal Waters mural at the Hub depicts Springwood’s waterways

A new mural depicting local significant waterways now adorns the forecourt of the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub. 

Artist and mathematician Shay Jannowi-Jude Tobin, proud member of the Boorooberongal clan of the Dharug nation, designed and painted the mural titled Communal Waters.  

The design is traced from the topography of Springwood and its northern creeks. The central running pattern, moving from Birdwood Gully to the Grose River, is Springwood Creek with off-shooting streams. Due to the non-linear structure of the containment walls, the creek pattern has been adapted to fit this space.

The native flora and fauna still interact with Springwood Creek as they have for eons but Tobin says: “Today, the creek’s role to its people and its surrounding community has become more abstract.” This is the key inspiration for this artwork. 

The colours used in the artwork represent rock and water; blue depicts water and yellow ochre outlines represent the sandstone banks. 

Mayor, Councillor Mark Greenhill, said: “This beautiful artwork reminds us of the precious wilderness on our doorstep and our responsibilities to our environment. 

“It also invites us to reflect on the deep and unbroken connection First Nation’s people have to Ngurra, to acknowledge the effects of colonialism on people and country, and to respond to that in an honest and meaningful way.”

Communal Waters can be viewed any time at the Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. See more works by Shay Jannowi-Jude Tobin at https://mtnsmade.com.au/listing/shay-tobin/   

Photo: Shay Jannowi-Jude Tobin painting the mural at the Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub