Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospitals

Origami Master and HARC volunteer Yoshimi Lawler has been working with visitors, patients and staff of Blacktown Hospital the Indian Womens’ groups of Sydwest Multicultural Services, to fold 1000 lotus flowers that will be transformed into a rangoli inspired by the Indian community from SydWest Multicultural Services

Rangoli is an artform originating from India. Decorative patterns adorn the floor and celebrate auspicious occasions and festivals. Typically, coloured rice, sand or flower petals are used for this kind of decoration. However, this rangoli installation uses origami, the Japanese art of folding paper. Origami activities have been used over the past few months as part of consultation for an arts and cultural plan developed for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Project Stage 2.

  The group chose the symbol of  lotus flower to adorn this rangoli. The lotus flower is an important symbol to many cultures and is symbolic of  purity of heart, spiritual awakening, love and compassion. Just as the lotus often rises from muddy water to reveal its beauty the flower can also symbolise a rising out of suffering. The centre of the rangoli holds an origami ‘Diya’ lamp, a sign of optimism and hope.

  The rangoli design has also been inspired by the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals’ round logo design and also signifies a  Hospital Expansion that is growing to take better take care of the local community.