Dylan Sarra: The Burnett River Rocks

In the early 1970s a significant sacred site of engraved rocks on the banks of the Burnett River, Bundaberg was excavated ahead of an irrigation project that flooded the area. The rocks were relocated to several Queensland institutions, including The University of Queensland.

The UQ Art Museum will be hosting Gooreng Gooreng artist Dylan Sarra to talk about his research into the Burnett River Rocks, and the ongoing project to repatriate them to their Country of origin.

This event is presented in line with the UQ Reconciliation Action Plan and is supported by the Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement), The University of Queensland.

Dylan Sarra is a Brisbane-based artist who originates from the Bundaberg region in Queensland and belongs to the Gooreng Gooreng peoples. Sarra is passionate about how Indigenous art contributes to written language. In Sarra’s recent work, he references rock carvings from the banks of the Burnett River, in Queensland, as well as initiation markings of Sarra’s great, great, grandfather. In 2020 and 2021, Sarra was selected as a finalist in The Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA). Sarra’s work is held by the Museum and Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Location note: This event will now be hosted at the Art Museum, as wet weather is forecast for the event date.