David Cragg
Midnight Dream, 2020

Midnight Dream is a celebration of local flora and fauna, some of which is critically endangered, and champions the diverse and dazzling environment of the Northern Beaches. "An endangered Regent Honeyeater and a bold Superb Fairy Wren take centre stage, framed by the rare and locally significant grevillea caleyi. Other endemic bushtucker species are woven through the composition, such as acacia wattle, blue-flax lily, lomandra longifolia, native geranium, banksias and Illawarra plums. Key bushtucker species like these benefit pollinators like birds and bees, while nectar distributors like the Regent Honeyeaters are crucial to healthy forests and ecosystems. Rainbow trees reference my Bundjalung and Biripai heritage as well as First Nations peoples continued connection to the Land and Dreaming,” - David Cragg.

This project was funded by a grant from the Crime Prevention Division of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice which aims to reduce the levels of anti-social behaviour and damage in public spaces around Mona Vale and Newport.

Artist bio

David is a multidisciplinary artist of Irish, Scottish, Bundjalung and Biripai ancestry, living and working in Dharawhal Country (Illawarra Region of NSW, Australia). He has exhibited work in galleries, painted large scale murals, curated public art installations, performed live art, and delivered art-making workshops and mentorship across Australia.