Jumbo Prior creates special mural for Museum of Tropical Queensland

A talented Indigenous artist has created a meaningful first impression for visitors at a popular Townsville museum undergoing renovations.

A TALENTED Indigenous artist has created a meaningful first impression for visitors at a popular Townsville museum undergoing renovations.

Bwgcolman, Birri-Gubba and Mamu man Jumbo Prior, also known as Jesse James, gained traction after his colourful designs for the North Queensland Cowboys NRL Indigenous jersey turned heads.

He was then commissioned to create an original oil artwork for the entrance to the Museum of Tropical Queensland in Townsville.

His work, which has been created into a four metre high mural, has transformed the stairwell leading into the museum’s Great Gallery, and paints the picture of the museum as a central meeting place.

Artist Jumbo Prior, also known as Jesse James, at the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Picture: Evan Morgan

“(It shows) the land and waterways that surround it and the families and tribes that are united to the land on which the museum sits,” Mr Prior said.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the new display will help cultivate and share cultural stories from across North Queensland.

“Jumbo Prior … has captured the essence of country and sea to help nurture a greater understanding and appreciation of First Nations connections, place and culture,” Ms Enoch said.

Jumbo Prior's artwork has been transformed into a huge mural at the entrance of the Museum of Tropical Queensland.

A collection of 121 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander historic and modern objects, to which the museum are temporary custodians, is also complimented by the artwork.

These items are owned by former Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre (TATSICC), and will remain at the museum until the centre finds a new home after its Flinders St site closed down.

Artist Jumbo Prior, also known as Jesse James, at the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Picture: Evan Morgan

Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said it was a rewarding collaboration that deepened connections with local communities across Townsville.

“Working with Jumbo and the TATSICC group has resulted in the museum being able to elevate local aboriginal cultures and stories emanating from North Queensland,” Dr Thompson said.

Originally published as Jumbo Prior creates special mural for Museum of Tropical Queensland