Maddison Gibbs

content hero image
Quay Quarter is excited to showcase the incredible work of artist and activist Maddison Gibbs. Maddison, a proud Gunu Baakandji woman from Dubbo, NSW, brings her vibrant and culturally significant pieces to our precinct.

Her art, titled "Always Was, Always Will Be," pays homage to the deep connection between Aboriginal societies, the land, and all living things, while celebrating the world’s oldest continuing culture.

This artwork is an acknowledgement to the country on which we meet, live, work and play, inspired by the local landscapes, foods, bush medicine and healing plants.  One of the first Aboriginal lessons as a child is to sit down with elders, slow down and listen. This was the initial concept for the work. To sit, listen and honour our flora brothers and sisters and visually return them to the site where they once existed. I draw seeds, nuts, flowers and berries.

This is a celebration, recognition of the oldest, most intricate, sophisticated and connected society in the world and the connectedness we still share with the land and all living things on it. We plant our seeds, messages and energy into this earth and she returns with life, food and medicine.

Channelling ancestors reconnects and builds upon our connection to our mother earth and our culture and stories and she reminds us to always be respectful to ourselves and all living things.

I am interested in creating dynamic artworks to activate and enrich the culture in cities on a public and accessible level. Through cultural activation I am creating identity and marking space through historical ties and combing cultural landscapes and hubs to create imaginative and inspiring places for the community to enjoy and to enrich the life of cities. My artwork is informing public space with Aboriginal content to celebrate the dual histories of Australia. It celebrates the oldest living culture in the world. Always was always will be Aboriginal Land.

"Always Was Always Will Be" is located on Retail Level 1, Quay Quarter Tower.