Untitled framed painting by Mandy Nicholson depicting Wurundjeri designs within a large fingerprint formation. The image has a circle focus and is painted with yellow in the centre that fades out in various shades of green.

Artist statement:
“A fingerprint is as unique to a person as it is to your Country. Where the MCG stands is on Wurundjeri Country on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra), meaning river of mist. It is on the site of social and cultural gatherings from time immemorial. Marngrook was played there, the first version of Aussie Rules. A possum ball was kicked up in the air in all directions and 'marked'. Eventually a round patch of grass turned into the MCG. A shared journey.

This circle is the focal point of the design. The overall design depicts a fingerprint, my fingerprint (left ring finger) to signify my connection to Wurundjeri Country, connecting me to place.

The designs within the fingerprint are unique to this part of what is now known as Victoria. Wurundjeri are a carving culture and the symmetrical lines, circles and wavy lines are all derived from Wurundjeri artefacts including wangims (boomerangs), or mulga (shield). Other designs are from Berak's (William Barak's) paintings of ceremonial attire, usually walert-gurn (possum skin cloaks). These markings are like a modern day surname, they tell people which district and Language Group you are from. Each style of art is regionally based, we are carvers, not x-ray or dot stylists. Those styles tell the narrative of their Countries, but the narrative of Wurundjeri is freshwater, bushland people, not deserts, or tropical regions.

Country is remarkable, unique and self-identifying just like your fingerprint.”