Rainbow Serpent Mosaic Mural
1996THE RAINBOW SERPENT
One of Australia’s longest mosaic murals (38.4m) was commissioned by the City of Gosnells for the City of Gosnells Leisure World, an indoor aquatic and fitness centre.
Thornlie TAFE art teacher John Burgess, Aboriginal artist Noel Morrison and Aboriginal tile artisan Stan Masters were engaged to bring to life the traditional Dreamtime story of the Rainbow Serpent’s search for his ancestral home.
The mosaic took six weeks to build on 16 panels. Each of the 2,760 ceramic pieces used was individually shaped using hand tools and grinder.
The story of the Rainbow Serpent is engraved on a plaque next to the mural.
The ‘Rainbow Serpent’ mosaic mural was funded by the City of Gosnells as a community arts project.
It was officially opened by His Worship, the Mayor of Gosnells, Cr Norm Smith on 22 June 1996.
The mural can be seen at the City of Gosnells Leisure World, Culross Ave, Thornlie.
- Western Councillor, July 1996, p6
