Djerring
In 2023, Ivanhoe Grammar School embarked on an ambitious art project, bringing together all members of the Plenty Campus school community to create an acrylic painting, Djerring which now hangs proudly in the main reception of Ivanhoe Grammar School’s Plenty Campus in Doreen.
The artwork concept was originally designed and developed by Andrew Taylor, Noongar Man, Artist, and First Nations Program Coordinator at Ivanhoe Grammar School; with Paul Briggs, Yorta Yorta Man, Plenty Campus Curriculum Leader- Mathematics and member of the School’s Reconciliation Committee; in collaboration with a group of Plenty Campus students.
Everyone at Plenty Campus was then invited to place their finger or thumb in white paint onto the canvas. Over 540 students and 76 staff from Plenty Campus came together, to create Djerring.
‘By creating this artwork together in this style, we are all showing regardless of our own cultures or backgrounds that we are all part of this community, and as Australians, we are sharing in the rich cultural heritage of this land,’ explained Paul Briggs.
This artwork represents togetherness both visually and through its creation. It is an artistic and physical representation of all members of the Ivanhoe Grammar School community contributing toward a beautiful symbol of moving forward together. Like in a community, no two elements in the artwork are identical, however, each aspect relies on other elements to bring a sense of togetherness and unity to the whole piece.
The brown, white and blue inner circles of Djerring depict a meeting place, representing the School, where students, parents and staff come together. The red and yellow elements, forming the circles that expand the artwork, symbolise the broader community and the extensive web of relationships with other people, organisations, businesses and sporting, creative and community groups. The artwork celebrates the expanded community circle, contributing to everyone’s cultural identity.
‘This artwork represents a statement that Ivanhoe sees reconciliation as an integral facet of our school culture, a journey that we have and will continue to pursue,’ said Paul Briggs.
Djerring (pronounced ‘jerring’) means ‘together’ in Woi-wurrung language.
Djerring
2023
Acrylic paint on canvas. 190cm x 130cm
Foundation – Year 12 students and staff, Ivanhoe Grammar School, Plenty Campus. Woi-wurrung country.
Collective heritage of participants 65,000 years+
