All One Country - Ajarku Muruu

By Chern’ee Sutton                
Age – 24 years          
Size – 60cm wide X 60cm high
Medium – Acrylic and textured acrylic on canvas   

All One Country - Ajarku Muruu

My name is Chern’ee Sutton and I am a contemporary Indigenous artist from the Kalkadoon people from the Mount Isa area in Queensland. This painting is called Ajarku Muruu which means All One Country and it represents reconciliation and everyone moving forward together.

In my paintings the circle in the centre contains the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags united together as one. They represent all Australians from all backgrounds and walks of life coming together with mutual respect and understanding. Encircling the flags is the red sun which represents the brighter future we have together when we listen, learn from one another and continue building stronger relationships.

 The kangaroo and emu footprints represent moving forwards and the snake with surrounding symbols winding its way through the artwork symbolises the world’s oldest continuing living culture. For more than 65,000 years, Aboriginal people have cared for Country, shared knowledge and passed stories from generation to generation. The snake reminds us that this culture has always been here and continues to thrive today.

 The four corners of the painting reflect the diverse environments that make up Australia, from the bush and the outback to the rivers, waterways, coasts and islands. Although these landscapes are all unique, they are connected as one Country, just as we are.

 Together this painting symbolises reconciliation and recognising our shared future while respecting the stories that came before us.