Painted on the façade of the 25 storey high Adnate Hotel in Perth, are 3 large scale portraits. The artwork aims to foster a sense of belonging by encouraging cultural inclusion, tolerance and optimism.
The Whadjuk Noongar man acknowledges Australia's first people. Perth city is built on lands, lakes, swamps and the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) that provided the main source of food for the Whadjuk Noongar for at least 45,000 years before colonial occupation. Whadjuk Noongar are intrinsically connected to the land, and historical and cultural connections to Noongar boodjar (country) remain strong.
The Indian girl represents Perth's growing population of South Indian and Asian migrants. Post Second World War, again in the 1970s, and more recently, an increase in migrant groups from Asia have settled in Western Australia. These groups helped to create the cultural diversity synonymous with Northbridge and Perth, through cultivation of Perth's historic market gardens and the establishment of popular restaurants throughout both suburbs.
The Greek teenager, pictured in the Greek island of Kastellorizo's traditional outfit, represents migrants from the Mediterranean regions that have made Perth their home. Greek and Italian migrants after the First World War settled in what are now Perth's inner suburbs.
A second wave of migration after the Second World War prompted these communities to grow, and their influence over Perth's architecture, business communities, agriculture, social and cultural life has enriched and continues to enliven our city.
Together, these figures represent the cultural diversity at the heart of Perth's identity.
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