A GIANT snake head isn’t usually the thing you’d expect to see in a high school art class, but in spreading the story of the Rainbow Serpent, a few locals have brought the creature to life – in a way – as a interactive community project which will eventually become a 90-metre long rendition of the traditional Noongar spirit at the upcoming Fairbridge festival.
Bindjareb elder Gloria Kearing brought the story of the Rainbow Serpent to a class of Pinjarra High School students, who spent the class attaching fabric and writing messages that described their understanding of the Rainbow Serpent to the head.
“I want them to take a minute and think about the story, and about what it means to them,” Ms Kearing said.
“I want them to come to me and ask me about it, just really have a think about it, and I guess work out what it means to them.”
Coordinator of the event Emma Bradstock said it was a great opportunity to bring together students and Aboriginal elders to continue the sharing of the history of the area, both good and bad.
“Pinjarra and the area has so much important Indigenous history, both historically important and tragic,” she said.
“And it’s always been important to remember those kinds of things here, so really any project we can bring to schools is worthwhile.”
Ms Kearing said beyond simply being an art project, the Rainbow Serpent installation allows students to connect with traditional culture, especially for those with Indigenous backgrounds.
“A lot of these kids, they haven’t learnt the stories that were important to their ancestors – they don’t have that connection," she said.
“It’s important that they know where they come from. It’s easy for them to just look at the present, you know, drink and drugs and television and what have you. But it’s important for them to know about the past as well.”
Pinjarra Senior High School art teacher Bronwyn Clark said the project allowed her students to change tack and focus on something a little different form the norm.
“They’re usually all working on a project that take weeks, so it’s good to give them some time to focus on something else,” she said.
“It’s obviously important to get them involved in the cultural activities around town as well. To feel involved, because that’s a big part of teaching art and being involved in art, connecting with the community.”
The head will serve as the starting point for a tapestry re-imagining the Dreaming story of the Rainbow Serpent, which will be available for anyone to contribute to at Fairbridge Festival.
“It will be a big community event where everyone’s pretty much encouraged to come down and have a go,” Ms Bradstock said.
“It’s a big snake, so we’ll probably need a lot of help making it.”
Fairbridge Festival is at Fairbridge Village from April 15-17.
Tickets are available now through fairbridgefestival.com.au
