I WAS deeply saddened by the removal of Adnate's mural depicting one of the founders of the Awabakal Newcastle Aboriginal Co-operative, Aunty June Rose, and her great granddaughter Nayeli, due to graffiti damage. Thank you Transport for NSW for collaborating with Adnate for an equally stunning replacement mural of Thirrilmun, but the graffiti damage gives pause for thought.
Was the damage simply an act of mindless vandalism destroying something artistically beautiful; a rejection of the respect owed to our Indigenous elders; or a reflection of deep-seated racism in Australian society? At least the NSW Art Gallery packers can appreciate the artistic merit of Matt Last's (Adnate's) paintings in gifting him the Packing Room Prize in the Archibald.
