Collection Details

Name/TitleBara

About this objectArtist statement
'The glass bara (eel) mirrors Gurrangady an ancestral Creator spirit, known by many as a local incarnation of the Rainbow Serpent seen in other parts of Australia. When the world was young, Gurrangady in the form of a giant serpentine eel, moved across the land and in its wake the mountains, rivers and valleys were formed. Gurrangady’s presence is seen through the appearance of a rainbow in the sky, the flicker of a fish, the iridescence in a waterfall, or the dancing sparkles on water. These ‘glimmers’ remind us of our ongoing role as custodians of Ngurra (Country) today.'

Leanne Tobin is a multidisciplinary artist of Irish, English and Aboriginal heritage, descending from the Buruburong and Wumali clans of the Dharug, the traditional Aboriginal people of the Greater Sydney region.

As an artist and educator, Leanne works collaboratively with community groups, local schools and institutions to tell local histories and stories, with the aim to evoke an environmental conscience and respect towards the land and its original people.

Leanne is driven by a strong sense of 'truth-telling' about the past and the present, and about what happened here on Dharug Ngurra/Country.

Through her art she seeks to encourage open and honest dialogue about the past, and to nurture respect and care for Ngurra, and invite reflection on the intrinsic spiritual connection Aboriginal people have with the land; a connection that is often hidden beneath the concrete and tar of the city and suburbs.

MakerTobin, Leanne

Maker RoleArtist

Date Made2023

Medium and MaterialsBlown glass

Place MadeKanbarra / Canberra

TechniqueBlown glass

Measurementsh 130 x w 130 x l 1030 mm x wt 2kg

Subject and Association KeywordsSculpture

Subject and Association DescriptionThe artwork was highly commended for the 2025 Blacktown City Art Prize, First Nations Artist Prize.

Leanne Tobin has been included in major exhibitions, including the 2023 Biennale of Sydney, and was one of our commissioned artists in the Native Institute project from 2013 – 2016, in partnership with MCA Australia. She has also developed and performed 2 plays at Blacktown Arts, most notably the story of Maria Lock.

Named CollectionBlacktown City Art Collection

Credit Line© Leanne Tobin
Acquired 2025 Blacktown City Art Prize exhibition
Blacktown City Art Collection
Photo: silversalt Photography

Object TypeSculpture

Object numberBCC TBN 003