GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Members of the art club of Union High School are exploring the rich visual language of the Australian first people's dot art, focusing on the fascinating tradition of 'songlines' or 'dreamings'.

These sacred illustrated maps, originally painted on the bark of gum trees, are deeply rooted in the culture and storytelling of Australian tribes.

Inspired by her recent visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, Bronwen Langmead, their facilitator, brought back fresh ideas and insights that ignited their creativity.

A stunning photo that Langmead took of an artist at work in Sydney served as the inspiration for the local artists to develop their own 'dreamings'.

A new world opened for these artists. Without hesitation, they all interpreted the task at hand and started developing beautiful artworks.

Working in groups, the participants created their own unique 'songlines' using recycled large-format posters, which were found on the streets of Graaff-Reinet.

It has been a meaningful way to honour an ancient tradition while making their own mark as young artists.

While the artworks are very much still in progress, Graaff-Reinet cannot wait to see the final result.

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