About the artist
Jay Van Nus is a proud descendant of the Bibbulmun language group from Noongar (WA) territory. The Noongar people are a part of a culture that has lived on the boodja (land) for over 45,000 years. Bibbulmun language groups gathered on boodja (land), nearby prominent rivers and water sources in the traditionally owned Southwest Boodjara of Western Australia.
The Noongar people comprise 14 different language groups (which can be spelt in different ways): Amangu, Yued/Yuat, Whadjuk/Wajuk, Binjareb/Pinjarup, Wardandi, Balardong/Ballardong, Nyakinyaki, Wilman, Ganeang, Bibulmun/Piblemen, Mineng, Goreng and Wudjari and Njunga.
In Noongar kaartidjin (knowledge), the Waugal is the major spirit, central to Noongar beliefs and customs. The Waugal is a snake or rainbow serpent who created all living things and maintains all fresh water sources. According to Bibbulmun lore, the Waugal is a transformation of the Korrndon Marma Man who is the creator of everything. It was the Waugal that made Noongar people the custodians of the land and formed all the water.
Blending western materials and techniques with symbols from Noongar teachings, Woola! Koomba Waugal draws on Jay’s family kaartidjin and beliefs about Waugal, honouring how the creator spirit feels to them. The artwork represents new ideas, creation and a new future.
“As the main creator spirit, the story of the Waugal speaks to me of creation and innovation – having created us brand new. As we take further steps towards a reconciled future, KBR and the greater Australian population can learn from and respect the customs of the Elders past and present and their teachings such as the story of the Waugal.”
Jay Van Nus (he/they), Artist and Communications Intern
About the artist
Jay Van Nus is a proud descendant of the Bibbulmun language group from Noongar (WA) territory. The Noongar people are a part of a culture that has lived on the boodja (land) for over 45,000 years. Bibbulmun language groups gathered on boodja (land), nearby prominent rivers and water sources in the traditionally owned Southwest Boodjara of Western Australia.
The Noongar people comprise 14 different language groups (which can be spelt in different ways): Amangu, Yued/Yuat, Whadjuk/Wajuk, Binjareb/Pinjarup, Wardandi, Balardong/Ballardong, Nyakinyaki, Wilman, Ganeang, Bibulmun/Piblemen, Mineng, Goreng and Wudjari and Njunga.
In Noongar kaartidjin (knowledge), the Waugal is the major spirit, central to Noongar beliefs and customs. The Waugal is a snake or rainbow serpent who created all living things and maintains all fresh water sources. According to Bibbulmun lore, the Waugal is a transformation of the Korrndon Marma Man who is the creator of everything. It was the Waugal that made Noongar people the custodians of the land and formed all the water.
Blending western materials and techniques with symbols from Noongar teachings, Woola! Koomba Waugal draws on Jay’s family kaartidjin and beliefs about Waugal, honouring how the creator spirit feels to them. The artwork represents new ideas, creation and a new future.
“As the main creator spirit, the story of the Waugal speaks to me of creation and innovation – having created us brand new. As we take further steps towards a reconciled future, KBR and the greater Australian population can learn from and respect the customs of the Elders past and present and their teachings such as the story of the Waugal.”
Jay Van Nus (he/they), Artist and Communications Intern
Woola! Koomba Waugal serves as a reminder to always pay respect and to honour the past. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for all. This sentiment echoes the aspirations of KBR’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which is guided by our social and environmental sustainability values to advocate for our planet and our communities. We strive to deliver creative solutions that preserve and protect environments and communities, and to build a more sustainable, prosperous and resilient future for all.
