About The Artwork
The Harbour and Her Spirit for Community Gathering
Learn more about Taleena Simon and her inspiration behind the artwork adorned on the Barangaroo Native Living Christmas Trees
Art is a cultural anchor that reflects the stories of place and adds layers to the shared history passed down ancestral lineages. Worimi and Bundjalung artist, Taleena Simon explores the cultural binds between Barangaroo, the harbour and community connectedness in her latest work ‘Untitled’, 2024
Amongst the earthly colour palette and harbour motifs is the cultural symbology of community gathering, a consistent pillar of First Nations culture, peoples and stories. The harbour has always been a place for community gathering, connecting and sharing for thousands of years, the harbour is the fabric of coming together. Barangaroo the place has always been one of gathering and connecting with harbour songlines, and Barangaroo the woman, whose spirit is celebrated in this place, reminds us of the continuous power of First Nations matriarchs in caring for Country, Sky and Water and sharing these stories through art and culture practice.
Taleena Simon’s art practice is a continuation of generational knowledge, she grew up watching her father practice and as a young girl she followed in tow, picking up a paintbrush and continuing the ancestral rites of her people. Her works contribute to the caring practices of place and peoples much like Barangaroo, whose matriarchal knowledge cared for the harbour and its peoples. ‘Untitled’, 2024 pays homage to Barangaroo’s time spent on the water, she is known for her fishing skills and was often seen in Warrane (Sydney Harbour) fishing in her nawi (canoe) with the other women in her community. Taleena’s art captures the spirit of Barangaroo and the harbour by bringing together the cultural meanings of fishing, community gatherings and ties it into the present-day celebration of Christmas with the inclusion of the cultural symbology of stars, representing the Christmas trees across the Barangaroo precinct.
Taleena uses digital art tools to create her works and highlights the ‘living’ element of First Nations culture. Artistic and cultural ingenuity and the adaptation of new resources to share ancestral stories is central to First Nations histories and culture continues to be shared with new layers of story added over time honouring the ancestors in new ways; these stories are shared across the harbour and across the globe. First Nations culture was, is, and always will be a part of place and bringing community together, just as Taleena’s work represents and celebrates.
For more information on Taleena Simon and her art catalogue visit the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative located on Gadigal/Wangal lands in Leichhardt or visit their website here
Amongst the earthly colour palette and harbour motifs is the cultural symbology of community gathering, a consistent pillar of First Nations culture, peoples and stories. The harbour has always been a place for community gathering, connecting and sharing for thousands of years, the harbour is the fabric of coming together. Barangaroo the place has always been one of gathering and connecting with harbour songlines, and Barangaroo the woman, whose spirit is celebrated in this place, reminds us of the continuous power of First Nations matriarchs in caring for Country, Sky and Water and sharing these stories through art and culture practice.
Taleena Simon’s art practice is a continuation of generational knowledge, she grew up watching her father practice and as a young girl she followed in tow, picking up a paintbrush and continuing the ancestral rites of her people. Her works contribute to the caring practices of place and peoples much like Barangaroo, whose matriarchal knowledge cared for the harbour and its peoples. ‘Untitled’, 2024 pays homage to Barangaroo’s time spent on the water, she is known for her fishing skills and was often seen in Warrane (Sydney Harbour) fishing in her nawi (canoe) with the other women in her community. Taleena’s art captures the spirit of Barangaroo and the harbour by bringing together the cultural meanings of fishing, community gatherings and ties it into the present-day celebration of Christmas with the inclusion of the cultural symbology of stars, representing the Christmas trees across the Barangaroo precinct.
Taleena uses digital art tools to create her works and highlights the ‘living’ element of First Nations culture. Artistic and cultural ingenuity and the adaptation of new resources to share ancestral stories is central to First Nations histories and culture continues to be shared with new layers of story added over time honouring the ancestors in new ways; these stories are shared across the harbour and across the globe. First Nations culture was, is, and always will be a part of place and bringing community together, just as Taleena’s work represents and celebrates.
For more information on Taleena Simon and her art catalogue visit the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative located on Gadigal/Wangal lands in Leichhardt or visit their website here
About Taleena Simon
Taleena Simon is a proud Worimi and Bundjalung Woman born and raised in the Redfern and Glebe areas. Taleena was introduced to art from a young age with her father, James P. Simon, being a well-known artist in the local community. Taleena fell in love with art from a young age and has pursued her passion for creating artwork that celebrates her identity and culture. With an expertise in visualising art that shares stories of empowerment, culture and strength, Taleena has worked with many different clients. Not only is Taleena an exceptional artist, she is also an accomplished athlete. She has played Rugby League representing New South Wales in the Harvey Norman State of Origin, her culture in the Indigenous All Stars team and for Sydney Roosters in the NRLW competition.Taleena has played Rugby Union at an elite level where she has represented Australia in the Women’s Rugby Sevens.