Luke Mallie Stained Glass Rainbow Serpent

Luke Mallie Stained Glass Rainbow Serpent is a meaningful and visually striking art activity featuring bespoke artwork by Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist Luke Mallie. This engaging project allows students to create a stained glass effect by layering vibrant cellophane beneath black card serpent silhouettes. The flowing design of the Rainbow Serpent, a powerful symbol of growth, regeneration, and seasonal cycles in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, provides a rich opportunity for cultural exploration and storytelling. Each piece measures 25 (L) x 23.4 (W) cm, offering ample space for creative design while producing a bold and colourful display. This activity supports both artistic development and cultural understanding, making it an excellent resource for classrooms seeking to combine creativity with meaningful learning.

Educational Benefits

• Cultural awareness – Introduces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, symbolism, and storytelling.
• Creative expression – Encourages colour selection and design through layered cellophane.
• Fine motor skills – Develops precision in cutting, placing, and assembling materials.
• Visual learning – Explores light, transparency, and stained glass effects.

Classroom Ideas

• Cultural studies projects – Explore Dreamtime stories and the symbolism of the Rainbow Serpent.
• Window displays – Hang completed artworks to showcase light-filtering effects.
• Art exhibitions – Create a collaborative display celebrating Indigenous art.
• Storytelling integration – Pair with lessons on Aboriginal narratives and traditions.

Product Specifications

• Artist: Luke Mallie (Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist)
• Size: 25 (L) x 23.4 (W) cm
• Contents:
  • 40 black card serpents
  • 100 squares of cellophane
  • 20 pieces of black ribbon
• Activity type: Stained glass effect using layered cellophane
• Theme: Rainbow Serpent – growth, regeneration, seasonal cycles

About the artist Luke Mallie

Luke Mallie is of both Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island descent with ties to the Kuku Yalanji Nation in the Daintree/Mossman area north of Cairns and from Kubin Village on Moa Island in the Torres Strait Islands.

Luke's main inspirations for his artworks are from his rich traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, his family and his tropical surroundings. Luke's drive to create stems from knowing his artwork can inspire and empower others. Their artistic styles are very contemporary and diverse and likes to work in a broad range of mediums.