The CNS logo was designed by Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist and curator, Dennis Golding. Dennis Golding is a Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist from the northwest of NSW and was born and raised on Gadigal land (Redfern, Sydney). Golding also has ancestral ties to Biripi country situated along the mid-north coast of NSW through his mother’s lineage.
Working in a range of mixed media including painting, video, photography and installation, Golding critiques the social, political, and cultural representations of race and identity. His practice is drawn from his own experiences living in urban environments and through childhood memories.
Golding was surrounded by art from his urban upbringing living in an Aboriginal community in Redfern (often referred to as ’The Block’). As a young child, he often watched his mother and grandmother paint on large canvas and sheen fabrics which depicted Australian native plants and animals, cultural motifs, and human figures.
Golding developed his professional practice in art school through mentorships with leading curators, educators, and artists. Golding graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) at UNSW Art & Design in 2019 and now works independently as an artist and curator.
The central black shapes represent seeds planted from flowers, grasses and herbs that are used as bush medicines and food sources. They reference the creation of new life, new generations and new beginnings.
The inner brown circle represents the land. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have cared for the these lands for generations using their knowledge of Fire and Water to encourage the cycle of renewal and to sustain life for future generations.
The green circle represents water which enables growth, sustainability and survival of people, place, animals and plants. The circular motif references a waterhole that is both a meeting place and a resource for creation.
The outre ochre colored shapes represent fire as a cultural practice, used for thousands of years to rejuvenate life, bushlands, plants and hunting. A core cultural element that brings people together and is a tool for sustainability.
We are grateful for Dennis' thoughtful design and support of the CNS project. It references themes that are central to the CNS project including connection to Country; valuing Indigenous knowledges and histories; resilience, renewal and ensuring sustainability for future generations.
Together, these elements of fire, water, soil and seeds speak of the very nature in which Culturally Nourishing Schooling highlight to provide better experiences, pathways and developments of growth for the generations of our future.
The logo inspires from these cultural knowledge systems and practices so that educators form a greater understanding and knowledge of how Aboriginal people have and continue to care for their Country. Caring for Country also means caring for their people and youth who are our communities’ future leaders. The logo represents these themes in the way that cultural practice exists through the strength of First Nations people.
