Shared History from Darkness to Light

New additions to Mamarapha College include a unique two-part mural, which tells a story. Ms Dana Garlett, a professional Whadjuk Noongar artist, explains that the story depicts a student’s journey, beginning in darkness on the left (dark burgundy area), moving towards God’s light and the eternal hope of Jesus’ glorious Second Coming on the right (orange and yellow areas). The blue river represents Jesus—the ‘River of Life’—who is ever-present throughout the journey. Also, the leaves represent continual healing and health that comes from God as He heals the brokenness in lives. The word “Mamarapha” means “God heals” or “God makes whole”. “Mama” is the word for “God” for the Western Desert Indigenous people. “Rapha” is a Hebrew word for “healing”/”making whole”.

Original artwork by Dana Garlett. Photos provided by Pr Connie Toga

Dark burgundy area: The Holy Spirit impresses upon individuals even as they sit in darkness. The Holy Spirit is represented by the ripples and rings around the people, which are the ‘U’ shaped symbols.

Light burgundy, brown and gold areas: The people gather at Mamarapha and are equipped with knowledge and tools for ministry.

Green and teal areas: As people continue with Jesus, they are further transformed by Him as their relationship with Him grows. This transformation is represented by the changing colour of the individuals throughout the murals. Individuals are equipped with tools for ministry, represented by the ‘U’ and ‘I’ shapes that are together. The white rays coming from some of the individuals are the ‘dhari’ iconography in Torres Strait Islander culture. Individuals with crosshatching surrounding them represent those living in coastal and urban areas. Individuals with the dots and lines represent those living in remote and rural areas.

Teal above the stairs: Fishing nets are also a tool, used to follow Jesus’ instruction, to become fishers of men.

Orange and yellow: New meeting places are formed by those who have become agents of change, teaching their own people about Jesus. Figures holding tools at the end of the mural are represented in the same blue as the River. It is God’s desire that we imitate Him, being totally committed to the eternal hope of Jesus, and eternal life with Him.