First Nations artist Joanne Cassady brings a powerful and personal lens to this story. A Sydney-based, self-taught artist and proud descendant of the Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta Nations, Joanne’s work captures the natural environment, cultural knowledge and enduring connection to Country that exists in and around Sydney Harbour.
Through her artwork, visitors are invited to see the Harbour – and the Sydney Harbour Bridge – not just as an iconic structure, but as part of a much longer, living story
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your artistic journey to date?
I am a Sydney-based, self-taught artist who grew up in the inner-city suburbs of Redfern and Waterloo. I am a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta Nations of New South Wales and Victoria.
My artistic journey began in the early ’90s in Redfern, where I started painting jacaranda seed pods at the request of my cousin. These seed pods were produced as jewellery pieces, which is something I still do to this day.
After raising my family, I decided to pursue art on a full-time basis. I have been doing so since 2018 and absolutely love what I do.
2. How does your culture influence your work?
My culture helps me stay connected and grounded. My work centres on storytelling, capturing moments, memories and cultural knowledge through visual expression.
Art has a wonderful way of connecting and inspiring people while sharing stories. It encourages me to learn more and do more.
3. How would you describe your artistic style and the stories you’re most drawn to telling?
My artistic style is contemporary Aboriginal art, driven by storytelling and lived experiences. Each piece reflects my identity, culture and connection to Country.
I use my creative practice as a platform to celebrate and share language and culture, as well as lived experiences, to inspire, promote understanding, and create connection across diverse audiences.
4. What did it mean to you to create artwork for the BridgeMuseum and the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
It means many things to me. Firstly, it was an absolute honour, and I am extremely grateful. It also means the world to me and is something I hope my grandchildren will be proud of.
Through my business, I have always hoped to inspire others. I am proud of my achievements, and opportunities such as this are both humbling and deeply meaningful. Creating artworks for one of the most famous bridges in the world is truly inspiring.
5. What was your initial reaction when approached to be part of this project?
My initial reaction was one of sheer excitement. I was also intrigued by the history of the pylons, the museum, the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the cultural history of the Gadigal and Gamarygal Nations.
It has been a wonderful learning experience, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
6. Can you talk us through the story or meaning behind the artwork you’ve created for the museum?
The artworks represent the natural environment found in and around Sydney Harbour. They depict native plants and wildlife, land animals, and the whale migration.
They reflect an Indigenous perspective of life before settlement, as well as the adaptation to new surroundings.
7. Were there any particular elements of the Bridge, the Harbour, or its history that inspired you?
Yes – the harbour, the construction of the Bridge, and our cultural heritage. The Bridge connects two lands separated by the harbour, and it exists because of this need.
The making of the Bridge is inspiring, and many artists have captured its beauty through their own perspectives and chosen mediums. It has attracted millions of visitors from around the world and continues to do so. It is impressive and stands proudly over our harbour.
8. Why is it important to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives represented in places like the BridgeMuseum?
It is important to show respect, promote inclusiveness, and share Australian history in an accurate and meaningful way.
Museums play a vital role in educating visitors, and the BridgeMuseum provides an opportunity for our histories and narratives to be shared respectfully, including the resilience of First Nations people during settlement.
Highlighting Indigenous perspectives supports truth-telling and acknowledges the ongoing cultural practices that continue today.
9. What do you hope visitors feel, learn or reflect on when they experience your artwork?
I hope visitors reflect on what they have learned about the pylons, the Bridge and its surroundings. Not only in understanding this incredible man-made structure and how it was built, but also the Aboriginal songlines of the land on which it stands.
I hope people feel inspired and gain a deeper understanding of cultural connection to land and sea from an Indigenous perspective. I also hope visitors leave feeling more knowledgeable about the places they visit, feel welcomed, and are inspired to return.
10. What message would you like to share with aspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists who might one day see your work in the museum?
I would encourage aspiring artists to believe in their work and recognise that they are continuing to pass on knowledge and traditions that our ancestors have shared for thousands of years.
Your medium, your identity and your stories are helping to keep our cultures alive. Be authentic, be unique, and inspire those around you. Remain humble and enjoy the journey.
