dellaram vreeland

Jenna Oldaker’s art is an effervescent ode to her cultural heritage.

Just as she is.

“I like to think my artwork is fun and exciting, but it also holds an opportunity to learn,” the Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and Ballarat artist says. “All of my artworks are named in Traditional Wadawurrung language, and each one tells a story of my culture and heritage.”

Jenna’s art is unmistakably hers. Vivid, bold, evocative and mesmerising, it is a personification of her own radiant spirit through the bounds of a canvas.

But moreso than that, the visual artist’s work enriches our collective understanding of the intricacies, beauty and depth endowed within Aboriginal culture.

“If someone can look at a piece of my artwork and learn one new Wadawurrung word, or one symbol, or even just have one new idea about what Aboriginal culture is, then I know I’m doing something to change the narrative of how people view Aboriginal culture in this Country.”

Jenna is the face behind Murrup Art. Murrup is the Wadawurrung word for spirit/dream – so it’s quite the apt name for an enterprise that aims to share the essence of Indigenous culture.

“I feel as though my art comes from my ancestors and their spirits through me,” Jenna shares. “I am sharing our culture, our stories and our spirit through my artwork, and to be able to do so is such a gift.”

Jenna’s creative journey began as a child under the gentle guide of her grandmother Aunty Violet McPherson. “She would always be teaching me new arts and crafts – drawing, painting, weaving or knitting. It was something special we shared together, and she would often share stories with me as we created together, as I learnt about my Wadawurrung culture and heritage,” Jenna recalls. “Painting was always what I enjoyed the most as a child, and that just grew as I got older.”

“I have so many fond memories of the creations my Nin and I would make together, and she is such a big inspiration for the work I create now because of that.”

Jenna’s works are largely inspired by the traditional marks and symbols from the dreamtime and Wadawurrung Country itself. Before beginning a new piece, she says she takes time to ‘just be’ on Country, tuning into the land and the spirits in order to feel connected and to harness a sense of responsibility.

And while she says she has observed a shift in how different communities view and appreciate Indigenous art over the last few years, she hopes her work as an artist, mentor, and community leader can continue to foster this progress.

“Being able to represent my heritage and culture, and also use that as a tool for education, is a big reason behind why I create,” Jenna says. “To continue on our culture and heritage and ensure that it is protected and not lost for future generations is really important to me as an artist, and as a proud Wadawurrung woman.”

“But to me, art is to also just be enjoyed and to create a sense of freedom – a single piece of artwork can hold endless amounts of possibilities and ideas. What I envision when I create a piece can be completely different to what you envision when you look at it. So, while I aim to educate and help others learn about Wadawurrung
culture and my heritage – art can also just be fun and something to be enjoyed.

“At the end of the day, that’s what I want people to hold onto when they view my art – did you find joy from it? Did you learn from it? If they can say yes, then I feel as though my artwork holds a purpose.”

Discover more about how Jenna is enriching our collective understanding of First Nations culture through her craft: @murrup_art

Words: Dellaram Vreeland
Image credits: Lachlan Phyland/@media_provided