Empire Theatre reveals Adrian Bauwens’ artwork in lead up to NAIDOC week

In the lead up to NAIDOC week, the Empire Theatre has revealed a newly commissioned digital artwork by Waka Wakka artist Adrian Bauwens. Find out what the story behind the artwork is.

The Empire Theatre has revealed a newly commissioned artwork from Wakka Wakka artist Adrian Bauwens in its commitment to reconciliation.

Set to hang in the box office of the theatre, the artwork, We Are Yuree, centres around a bunya pine and tells the history of gatherings at the Bunya Mountains.

Circling around the bunya pine is a bearded dragon, a carpet snake, and an emu.

“In culture, a lot of people dance to represent their totem, of yuree,” Mr Bauwens said.

“This artwork depicts that with the people inside the yuree embodying a totem.”

Wakka Wakka artist Adrian Bauwens revealed We Are Yuree, a piece which will hang at the Empire Theatre box office. The artwork was commissioned as part of the Empire's reconciliation action plan. Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Picture: Christine Schindler

The background has numerous pathways leading into the centre which representing the camps and pathways people would take to get to the Bunya Mountains – from Hervey Bay, Brisbane, and northern NSW.

For Mr Bauwens, who is also a park ranger and a tattoo apprentice, his inspiration has come from spending time on country.

“For me personally the story drives the art and so if you have a story then you can bring it to people,” he said.

More than 50 people were in attendance at the Empire Theatre as they revealed the artwork and launched their Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan to show their commitment to fostering reconciliation in Australia.

“By embedding reconciliation into the core of our operations, we aim to elevate the voices of First Nations peoples and contribute to shared vision for a better future,” Empire general manager Giuliana Bonel said.

As part of NAIDOC week celebrations the Empire Theatre are hosting a First Nations Arts and Culture Market on Sunday, July 14 which includes with a performance of From Campfire to Stage Light with David Bindi Hudson.