The Bishop O Loughlin Memorial Window
Stained glass is the art of transformation by fire. Now the material is no longer of the earth but of the sky - harvesting light, reaping the blue and using the sky itself. Paul Claudel - 1937 Stained glass and the effect of transmitted light through transparent glass was the original inspiration for the art works designed in 2011. In 2012 this initial concept has changed to include modern technology, and the process of digital printing in order to translate and transform the original art works onto the glass windows. An interpretation of the stained glass window designs for St. Mary s Cathedral by Northern Territory Indigenous Artists - November 2010
Top Left Window Design Fiona Kerinaua Nguiu / Bathurst Island Fiona has aimed to represent all the Tiwi people and all the skin groups. There are four Tiwi tribes, Takaringuwi (mullet), Marntimaiula (rock), Miyartuwi (pandanus) and Warntarringuwi (sun). Fiona belongs to the Takaringuwi (mullet) sun tribe. This painting also represents the Tiwi creation story which has parallels with the Christian story. Purukapali was the first man with a wife named Wayayi (curlew bird), a son named Jirnani and a brother named Japarra (moon). When the son died the moon man asked to take him to the heavens and bring him back to life on the third day, but the father Purukapali took his son to the sea, where they drowned. The mother, Wayayi can be heard at night crying for her son. The blood wood tree is also included as it used in Tiwi culture to make the ceremonial burial pole, and it also represents Jesus cross, for the artist. by Tiwi artist Fiona Kerinaua
Top RightWindow Design Cilla Kurrupuwu Nguiu Cilla s painting is about the creation story. The central bloodwood tree represents Jesus cross and is also used to make the ceremonial Pukumani pole in Tiwi culture. When Jesus was speared the blood and water flowed out. The red and blue beneath the bloodwood tree represent his blood and the water. The rainbow is included in the design to represent light. It is the sunlight which gives us the beautiful rainbow colours as it shines through the rain in the heavens... and God is the Light of the World. by Tiwi artist Cilla Kurrupuwu
Lower Top Left Window Design Roque Lee - Darwin - Larrakia Roque s painting represents an offering from the Larrakia people. Giving means acceptance, and traditionally food is offered and received, to welcome guests to their country. As the Larrakia people accepted the Catholic Church, this painting represents the giving of the best food from the sea and the land - barramundi, mudcrab, turtle and the long yam. Roque says our spirituality connects to our physical world, and he is a saltwater man and a fisherman, as were the apostles of Jesus. His painting also represents the Fishes and Loaves story when Jesus welcomed and fed the multitudes of people, so they were welcome to stay longer and receive His words. by Larrakia Artist, Roque Lee
Lower Top Right Window Design Marlene Minniecon Melville Island / Pularumpi The colours of the island/land and the sea around it are at the base of the design, and are representing a foundation for the three Pukamani poles. The poles also represent Jesus death on the cross and also the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In this design the sun is the Light, and represents the resurrection (and also Marlene s skin group on her mother s side). by Tiwi artist (Melville Island) Marlene Minniecon
Lower Middle Left Window Design Georgina Furber - Santa Teresa The main theme in all Georgina s works is The Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit as one. God is Spirit is Light. The concept embodies the possibilities of stained glass as quoted by Patrick Reyntiens ( The Beauty of Stained Glass. 1990)... all was made of light and the light was the material reflection of the heavenly light, the wisdom of God. This design depicts the blood and water which came from Jesus as He gave His life for the world, and Aboriginal people. We are all connected by the blood of Jesus and in Aboriginal way our blood is from our ancestors from creation time. Water is life and is sacred, and Jesus is life. by Arrernte artist (Santa Teresa) Georgina Furber
Lower Middle Right Window Design Marita Sambono - Naiuyu In Marita s painting the central fire stick represents the cross and also fire is the Spirit, life and light, and represents purification. The colour blue represents the water for baptism and also the river at Naiuyu. The iron wood tree leaves are burnt for a smoking ceremony to clean the soul and spirit and to make a person feel new. by Naiuyu artist Marita Sambono
Bottom Left Window Design Georgina Furber - Santa Teresa Georgina's work symbolizes the Trinity,... God the Father is in the top circular symbol with the sun and wings, then the Holy Spirit is the yellow bird with outstretched wings flying over the land, emitting light. There are drops of blood falling (Jesus' blood shed for all human beings) and these are symbolized with the precious water in the two blue and red roundels alongside the cross. Jesus and his blood are symbolized in the cross which is placed in the desert earth in the lower section of the design. Water and blood are important and powerful spiritual elements for Georgina, as an Arrernte person, as she has also depicted them in her other design. by Arrernte artist (Santa Teresa) Georgina Furber
Bottom Right Window Design Christina Yambeing - Naiuyu The heavens are opening and the Holy Spirit in Jesus is going up This painting represents the resurrection and ascention of Jesus whilst embodying a sense of worship by Naiuyu Artist Christina Yambeing
Acknowledgements Cait Wait All the artists who contributed to the project and to all those who have contributed generously towards the beautification of the Cathedral