Bidgee Bunyips, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
Bidgee Bunyips
At Artstate Wagga
4–8 November 2020
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
These ‘Bidgee Bunyips’ imagine and bring to life the ancient Wiradjuri story of the dangerous bunyip who lurks in various locations along the Murrumbidgee River waiting to gobble up children! This clever cultural story was a way to keep children water-safe and away from the most treacherous parts of the river.
This project formed part of Kerri Weymouth’s internship as Local Producer at the Cad Factory, to complete her final year of study towards a Master of Therapeutic Arts at MIECAT, Melbourne.
Artists and Bunyips
Barbara Freer
“2Faced”
Remember the old saying, eyes in the back of my head?
Joylene Lashbrook
“Bunyip Slim”
My bunyip lives in the river and sings, “I love to have a beer with Duncan.”
Julie Schubert
“Bruce”
Bruce the Bunyip has been living in the Murrumbidgee near Darlington Point for a long time. He changes colour with his environment, although his original skin is a deep orange colour.
Aunty June Weymouth
“Bill”
Making my Bunyip reminded me of my early childhood, living on the riverbank near the old wharf on the north side of Darlington Point. We used to go down to the Bunyip Hole with the Edwards family. I couldn’t swim so Mr Bill Edwards would carry me across the river to the beach on the other side. I was terrified the Bunyip would get me! This is why I named my Bunyip Bill.
Kerry Murray
“Bezzie”
The infamous Bezzie Bunyip drifts down the Bidgee river, hiding in the murky water sure to make you quiver.
If you’re on the banks beware of groups of bubbles; for if he sees the children, he won’t be looking for cuddles.
And whatever you do don’t look into Bezzie’s big green eyes. The magic will hypnotise, and a bunyip slave you will rise.
“Binya”
Binya Bunyip, the land devil, lives on the banks of the Bidgee, in the bark and sticks of his humpy under the large gum tree, stalking through the bushes, conjuring his magic. He lets out a crippling roar, sure to send you manic! Watch out on the river trails, as Binya jumps out from the scrub, hugs you with his long green claws and gobbles you beneath the shrub!
Kerri Weymouth
“Priscilla”
“Knowing”
Kim O’Connor
“Burty”
My Grandson thinks he’s good enough to eat!
Orianah Hughes
“Fang”
You’ll find him when you’re all alone, hidden in the river bed. His hair hangs wet and heavy like moving reeds in the Bidgee stream.
Red eyes peering above the water level, watching and waiting for you to look away. His skin you will not see as he blends in amongst the blowing trees.
“Freddie”
His eyes will draw you in, once you see them you are his. You won’t be able to look away, for what you see will stop you still. His red mouth will open up, unstitching bit by bit, until it’s wide enough to swallow you whole.
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This project was made possible by Murrumbidgee Council’s drought fund. Special thanks to Karin Bruton from Wagga Wagga Art Gallery for including them in Artstate 2020.
