The Southern Cross is known by many First Nations people as Mirrabooka, Ginan or Birubi—a body of stars that encompasses celestial stories deriving from creation-forming ancient knowledges that transcend time and space. These aided our Ancestors with navigation and as seasonal  indicators, and symbolise an important relationship between people, land, sea and sky. A symbol that is as vitally significant today, that we still uniquely and collectively identify with in memory, story, art and song.

This artwork is the embodiment of my style and my connection to manay (stars), interpreting the night sky using cool and dark tones. The inner space between the stars is to draw the viewer in and symbolise the powerful force within and between these bodies of stars.

Our old people not only gazed upon the stars, but most importantly they looked at what lies within and surrounding those dark places in the above.

Krystal Hurst,
Worimi Nation, 2020
Artist and Creative Director
Gillawarra Arts,
www.gillawarraarts.com