On Wednesday 6 July, Grace has unveiled an Indigenous painting created by Aboriginal artist Robert Young. As part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, Grace acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land and pays respects to their Elders past, present and emerging by installing this artwork in Grace’s head office in Sydney. This significant artwork is a response to our aspiration and responsibility to promote respect, recognition and greater opportunity to Australia’s First Nation peoples.
The morning event started with a smoking ceremony, a speech by Robert Young on his Gunnai, Waradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta culture, and the official unveiling of the artwork he has created for Grace. Robert has previously worked with multinational corporations and most recently with Puma said, “I went with red and navy blue colours and going a bit more abstract with the background and the markings. The piece speaks to our elders which are like the custodians watching over everything and taking care of everything that is precious to people and companies.”
“Grace has wise people that know the land and taking care of the things like my elders took great care of this country and its dreaming. The tree is a representation of Grace that is a strong tree and the tree is a scar tree that you would see around borra ground or significant ceremony ground that you hold knowledge and wisdom and history in there but is also is a marker to everyone that there is something special about this place.” He added.
“And lastly the ground representing everyone at Grace comes from different backgrounds and journeys but are all woven into the tapestry of the company. The multiple locations and diversities that Grace has is representing in every marking but is a part of the bigger story.”
Andrew Wilson, Group eCommerce and Marketing Manager said, “The concept behind the commissioned work is to have our own unique expression to illustrate our ambition to forge stronger relationships with our Indigenous staff, suppliers and communities and to reinforce our commitment to inclusion and respect for diversity at Grace more generally.”
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year, to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
About the Artist
Robert Michael Young
With a successful career in Aboriginal art, Robert creates murals, collaborates with big brands and travels around the world. He tells stories of his Gunnai, Waradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta culture. Currently, Robert is working on a large sculpture out in the northern suburbs in Craigieburn and doing a couple murals for some universities.
