IMOS honours Traditional Owners as Australia’s first marine scientists and carers of country. We pay tribute to their traditional ecological knowledge, wisdom, and Indigenous perspectives, passed down through generations and applied successfully to sustainable environmental management for thousands of years.
IMOS has been enhancing our connections and partnerships with First Nations, and recently worked with designer Tarquin Singleton, Yirrganydji, to create a piece of Sea Country artwork. The beautiful artwork exemplifies the role of IMOS in fostering collaboration between indigenous wisdom and modern science to provide an inclusive understanding of our marine environments.
‘Around the campfire’
The design underscores the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, understanding marine ecosystems, and fostering collaboration between indigenous wisdom and modern science (data).
It’s a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of protecting our natural environments for future generations.
The dark figures symbolise the holders of wisdom —our leaders and educators. They pass their knowledge to the lighter figures, representing the next generation, through storytelling, dance, art, and demonstration.
At the heart of the design is the central element, symbolising community and the sharing of knowledge around ‘campfires of wisdom.’ These campfires reflect both ancient storytelling traditions and modern data collection methods.
Through the efforts of the Integrated Marine Observing System, these approaches come together to provide an inclusive understanding of our marine environments.
Marine animals featured in the design are not only ocean icons but also subjects of marine biology and keystone species crucial to their ecosystems. They hold cultural significance for coastal First Nations people. The patterns within these animals depict water and currents, symbolising their natural journeys.
The fish in the waterways demonstrate the interconnectedness of all things. As they swim with the currents, they traverse vital ecosystems, highlighting the impact that damage to one part of an ecosystem can have on the whole. This is the knowledge held by traditional wisdom, with waterways serving as classrooms where lessons are taught through action.
The designer
Tarquin Singleton, Yirrganydji, is an illustrator and designer, who has worked on Country as a Yirrgandji ranger and in cultural engagement for many years. His design work is a combination of traditional Aboriginal art and modern and western art. Tarquin draws his inspiration for his designs from Bulmba (Country), Kulbul (Sea Country) and Bulurru (Lore, Creator, Culture).
“Yirrganydji country is located from Cairns to Port Douglas making us rainforest and saltwater people. Growing up in two world heritages the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest is something to be proud of and has heavily influenced my work. My designs are heavily influenced by my heritage and combine the elements from traditional Indigenous art with modern art.”
Tarquin works with Igneous Studios, an Indigenous design and creative agency who specialise in crafting contemporary First Nations designs that carry profound meaning.