DAVID 'MEGGS' HOOKE
DAVID 'MEGGS' HOOKE
(See photos below)
Murrumbidgee Flow was commissioned in 2019 to coincide with the second Lost Lanes festival, which was held on June 22nd that year.
A tender was called for proposals that explored the history of Fitzmaurice St, and the community’s connection to the Murrumbidgee river. The Mural transformed an ugly cinder block wall into one of the highlights of the Wiradjuri Walking track, which runs alongside the banks of the river.
During preparation of his artwork, David 'Meggs' Hooke consulted with local Elder Uncle James Ingram about the significance of the site to local Wiradjuri people, and incorporated knowledge about the River Redgum, the Yarran Wattle and the Goanna as totem to Wagga Wiradjuri people. Much of my artwork is based on duality, flow and capturing a moment in time. This mural represents the flow of the Murrumbidgee River as a serpent like brushstroke that runs left to right in colours representing the transition and connection of water to land.
The background sky tone transitions to black through a texture that symbolises the River Red Gum, which serves as a visual connection between the banks of the river to the sky above. Red Gum Eucalyptus leaves and Yarran Wattle leaves flow across the piece, as if blowing in the wind, and connect with a Goanna track, a sign of healthy resources and totem animal of local Wiradjuri people.
(Excerpt of Letter of reference:)
“In 2019 the City of Wagga Wagga's Lost Lanes Festival hit new heights. With over 5000 people in attendance (City population 55K) on a frosty July evening, the festival site was buzzing in a way it never has before. The event exceeded its goals for economic development and visitor economy returns, with local produce on display and most vendors selling out across the evening. Alongside a roster of local bands and performers, the star attraction, and lasting legacy of the night, was a 125m2 mural by David MEGGS Hooke.
As the council officer then responsible for commissioning this work, I was impressed by the depth of community engagement that informed Mr Hooke's concept. We are, like many cities, one with a checkered history with public art projects. Mr Hooke's professionalism and responsiveness set the minds of our councillors at ease, and the outcome he delivered has become the exemplar from which future community projects are patterned upon.”
Sincerely,
Dr. Tim Kurylowicz
Executive Director / Eastern Riverina Arts