The Serpent

The Serpent is inspired by first contact between Aboriginal people and the First Fleet in 1788.

Jason Wing

Project Location:

133 Henley Marine Dr Drummoyne

Year of completion:

2013

Client:

City of Canada Bay Council

Jason Wing

Project Location:

133 Henley Marine Dr Drummoyne

Year of completion:

2013

Client:

City of Canada Bay Council

It is based on a road sign, evoking imagery of the river, the Rainbow Serpent and the eel.
 
 The arrowhead points to the sky, towards the future, reminding us to contemplate the sustainability and health of the waterways.

This artwork has been developed by Jason Wing, an artist who strongly identifies with his Aboriginal and Asian heritage. Jason grew up in Drummoyne and has a strong connection with the site and community.
 
 The Serpent is an original design inspired by rainbow serpent imagery from Aboriginal history. In Aboriginal culture, it is either the rainbow serpent or the eel that created the waterways, and water creates life. This work celebrates and acknowledges both.
 
 AG Public Art worked with Jason and the council to manufacture and install the work.

The sculpture was selected for this site as before western colonisation, the area was an abundant food source for the Eora people.

The Serpent is based on a road sign ('winding road ahead')

In the words of the artist, the Serpent is based on a road sign ('winding road ahead'). Modern signage performs a similar function to traditional Aboriginal cave paintings and rock engravings. Signs, symbols and codes communicate social and historical messages, which inform our everyday lives. 
 
 The ability to interpret these icons relies upon the sign maker to communicate their message in a succinct, universal and immediately recognisable manner. This communication device was used as the foundation for the design so that people of all cultures can instantly recognise and acknowledge that they stand on Aboriginal land.