Richmond’s seventh Dreamtime guernsey is a bold and vibrant fusion of traditional Aboriginal patterns.
This year’s guernsey, which will be worn when the Tigers play Essendon in the annual ‘Dreamtime at the ‘G’ match in Round 10, was designed by Aboriginal artist Josh Muir.
The design was inspired by Richmond pair Daniel Rioli and Nathan Drummond and captures the story of peace, love and unity.
“Rioli being from the Tiwi Islands, and Drummond being from Yorta Yorta, I decided to fuse both traditional patterns into one,” Muir said.
“(It incorporates) Bunjil the creator and the old people, using the traditional colours of Richmond designed around the sash.
“Bunjil is seen as a creator traditionally, and the old men are our elders, which is a really important part of our culture, paying respect to our elders.
“They fuse together to acknowledge the creator – past and present and the emerging of Aboriginal culture.”
Be part of the annual Dreamtime at the 'G event with a special Dreamtime membership.
This year’s Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round coincides with the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, whereby Australians voted ‘Yes’ to recognising Indigenous Australians in the constitution.
Richmond’s Dreamtime guernsey pays tribute to this, with No. 67 displayed on the back.
Muir, 25, is a contemporary artist and Yorta Yorta man.
“I refer to myself as a 21st century digital Aboriginal,” he said.
“Traditionally Aboriginal people capture what’s in their environment and tell stories of what’s around them.”
Richmond’s 2017 Dreamtime guernsey is now available in store and online at the Tigerland Superstore.
All proceeds from the sale of Dreamtime-related items go to the Korin Gamadji Institute and the Richmond Football Club’s Indigenous programs.
To view more of Josh Muir’s work, visit his current art exhibition at the Gallery at City Library.
His work is on display from now, up until May 30.