Anggaliya Artwork

St James' Primary School, Yamba, celebrates through indigenous art, the story of St James fishing in the Sea of Galilee with his father and John the Apostle. (16 September 2021)

The students of St James' Primary School, Yamba, were very excited to receive a beautifully commissioned painting by renowned Yaegl artist, Frances Belle-Parker. Frances is a Maclean based painter and installation artist. Her work, which is deeply inspired by her Yaegl indigenous heritage, graced the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House on Australia Day 2021. 

Frances was commissioned earlier this year to create an artwork for the school depicting the story of Luke 5:1-1. The artwork titled 'Anggaliya', which translates to 'The Calling' tells the story of St James fishing in the Sea of Galilee with his father and John the Apostle and is intertwined with Yaegl spirituality and mythology. 

'We are overjoyed to receive this painting, which will be a wonderful way to display Aboriginal Spirituality and our Catholic Faith through the art of the story of St James,' said Renee Howland, Leader of School Evangelisation and Catechesis. 

The artwork will capture the attention of students, families and visitors as they enter the school foyer.  Last year was the beginning of a three-year journey for the St James'  Primary School community, as students worked on enhancing their understanding of who St James was as well as building Catholic formation and identity. This painting is part of the next step in the formation journey for the school community. 

Watch this clip to listen to the artist Frances Bell-Parker explain the artwork.