Bajirru! there you all are, hello! From the Yanyuwa language of Balarinji’s origin community Borroloola NT

Jinangu awara wabarrangu barra kalu-wingka marnijinju wabudala kari-nguthundawabarrangu jinangu Australia li-wulu marnaji barra liyi-Yanyuwawu awara li-Marranbala li-Arrwangala li-Gudanji jinangu awara Burrulula marnaji yamulhu

Our Country we belong to is Borroloola. Yanyuwa, Marra, Gudanji and Garrawa people.We welcome everyone to this land Australia.

Yanyuwa elder Samuel Evans Jamika

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. are respectfully advised this website contains references, artworks and images of people who have passed

Microsoft

Office art and design strategy

Balarinji was engaged by Microsoft and Colliers International to integrate an Aboriginal art and design strategy for Microsoft’s office interior design fit-out in North Sydney.

The project’s objective was to infuse a sense of Country via the integration of Aboriginal artwork into the interiors. The Microsoft workplace design concept is derived from the Australian landscape and the predominant elements evidenced within Country.

Balarinji worked with artists, Josie Rose and Debra Beale, to develop murals across two levels. Each level of the space has a unique location from Australia, explored and visualised through environmental graphics, materials and colour palettes.

Level 28 – Figure 8 Pools

Josie is a Gumbaynggirr woman who believes contemporary Aboriginal artwork is an expression of culture, healing and story-telling. Josie continuously works on new designs, finding that nothing else satisfies the peace, security and confidence she feels when creating her art.

Level 27 – Cradle Mountain

Debra is Gamilaraay/Wonnarua – Yorta Yorat/Palawa woman whose artwork tells a narrative of Aboriginal cultural practices, focusing on cultural heritage, family and community. Her connection to Gadigal Country is a deep spiritual connection through sea waters connecting her to her mother’s bloodlines from the Palawa and Yorta Yorta Nations.

Debra’s approach to her mural allowed her to connect with her ancestry and relatives in Lutrawita (Tasmania). This process saw her illustrate snow covered hills, wombat tracks, trees and camp sites. Debra has also creatively reconnected to her cultural heritage of the Palawa people. The artwork reflects a healing journey shared with her sons throughout the West Coast of Tasmania, visiting Cradle Mountain.

A Welcome to Country Acknowledgment plaque was also installed on Level 27. Welcome to Country grows respect, knowledge and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It reminds us that Country holds a deeply spiritual significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.