A mural celebrating a deep connection to country and the role of TAFE SA as a place of meeting and learning has been created by Indigenous artist Presten Warren.

The colourful artwork, entitled Place of Many Paths, has been installed above the entrance of TAFE SA’s Port Augusta Campus.

Presten, a proud Wirangu/Dieri/Kokatha/Mirning/Arabana man who was born in Port Augusta and now lives in Port Lincoln, says the mural depicts “a story of growth, knowledge and coming together”.

“This artwork represents the diverse country that surrounds Port Augusta, where red desert meets saltbush plains and coastal waters flow near ancient tracks,” he says.

“The central winding path symbolises the journey of people through this region. The central meeting place represents learning, gathering and sharing and how TAFE SA brings people from all backgrounds together, while the outer meeting places symbolise the future opportunities TAFE SA helps to create.

“Dot work and layered textures reflect the rich ecosystems through native foods, mountain ranges and waterholes. The earthy reds and oranges represent the warmth of the land, while the blues and greens symbolise growth, waterways and renewal.”

TAFE SA commissioned the artwork as part of its commitment to raising awareness and building a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture.

Presten, 25, (pictured with a new artwork) is a prolific artist celebrating Aboriginal cultural heritage through the creation of large-scale murals, corporate design and personal commissions using both acrylic on canvas and digital mediums.

The Port Augusta mural is a digital artwork that has been printed onto aluminium sheets for installation and Presten says it’s the third time he’s created a mural in this way.

“This is the biggest one to date and it made me cry when I saw it because it reminded me of my connection to Port Augusta where I was born and the influence of my grandmother,” he says.

Presten says his mother and grandmother ignited his passion for storytelling through art.