Honouring the enduring cultural legacy of the First Peoples of this land, the 25 Martin Place First Nations Arts Program is proud to announce its 2026 partnership with celebrated artist Shane Youngberry, of the Gweagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation, with connections to the Dunghutti Nation. 

Gathered, Connected, One.

Youngberry’s artwork speaks to identity, connection, and the strength of First Nations people across time.

At its centre sits a fingerprint. More than an individual mark, it represents the collective, each line holding story, memory and knowledge. It reflects how identities are layered and connected, and how people come together to share culture, responsibility and experience. While each person is unique, they are never separate from community.

Surrounding the fingerprint, U-shapes represent people gathered in circle. These forms speak to coming together as family and community, and to the ongoing passing down of knowledge and cultural practices.

Handprint stencils appear throughout the work, marking presence and continuity. They honour past generations and affirm that First Nations people always were and always will be here, connecting those who came before with those who walk on Country today.

White circular symbols and flowing lines represent campsites and the waterways that link them. These pathways speak to movement across Country, connecting places, families and stories carried over time.

An earthy palette grounds the work in the land itself—our foundation and home. It reflects the understanding that everything comes from Country and returns to it. Green tones introduce growth and renewal, representing bushland, plant life and the living systems of Country, and the ongoing relationship between people and nature.

Together, the work tells a story of unity, identity and deep connection, linking people to each other, to their ancestors, and to Country.

Youngberry's process began with an exploration of key symbols representing connection, identity and community. A central fingerprint was developed as the focal point, with U-shapes forming around it to represent people gathering and sharing knowledge.

From this foundation, pathways and circular forms were layered throughout the work to reflect movement across Country and waterways, and the connections between places. Repetition and pattern are used to convey continuity, allowing the artwork to flow across larger spaces while maintaining its narrative.

The original sandstone-inspired palette grounds the work in Country, reflecting the tones of the land and its significance. Throughout the process, the artist focused on balancing cultural meaning with a design that could adapt across different environments, while preserving the integrity of the story.

25 Martin Place would like to thank Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative for facilitating this partnership. In the languages of the Bundjalung, Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri, Boomalli means to strike; to make a mark. As the longest running Aboriginal owned and run arts organisation, Boomalli is dedicated to supporting and mentoring new and emerging artists, hosting regular exhibits at their gallery, studio and retail space in Leichhardt, Sydney.

Discover more about Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative