ART0247: Acknowledgement of Country Artwork

Summary

A Whadjuk Noongar Boodja artwork centred on the Campfire as our timeless place of sharing stories, commissioned by The State Library of Western Australia. A shared understanding of the importance of stories for our connection to place and one another is a common ground for Aboriginal peoples and non-Aboriginal people to come together. This artwork extends an invitation for us to come together in the shared story of this place. The State Library of Western Australia holds records and archives of our Aboriginal ancestors, our families. These are materials that are valuable to Aboriginal people, but that also are hard and sad to look at. Our ancestors spirits live on in our stories and in our Country. This artwork aims to ensure Aboriginal peoples visiting the State Library feel safe, welcome and recognised in their own expertise as the world’s best storykeepers and storytellers. "Kaarla-k Wongki Yaanginy (Sharing Stories around the Campfire) speaks to the universal symbol of the campfire known to all Aboriginal peoples, which when they see it will make them feel welcome and recognised. The kaarla where we have sat and shared our stories for millennia is a welcoming, healing and culturally safe space for our knowledge sharing. This artwork places the importance of the campfire and the Elders sharing stories at its heart. The artwork also speaks to Whadjuk Noongar Country, where the library stands, this rich part of Whadjuk Noongar boodja was an important meeting ground with many wetlands nearby. Drawing from the timeless patterns of our kwobidak boodja (beautiful Country). This artwork is a living artwork, it allows for continuing sharing stories of this place. When people visit the State Library and see the campfire and bushland and plants in this artwork, it just draws us in, and makes us feel safe, we can be proud of it and speak about its stories with our grandchildren, families and other people. It’s central elements of the campfre ensures it is welcoming and recognisable to all Aboriginal People. Whadjuk Noongar Boodja elements featured include Kangaroo Paw, Baalga, Banksia, Jarrah/Marri, Melaleuca, Bullrush-reeds, She-oak, Turtles, Bidi Tracks, Campfire and Wetland Water. - [Taken from the artist's statement, 2024]