Guruwaal: local Aboriginal artwork centres revitalised Alumni Park
The artwork is counter-relief on wooden bleachers set on the stairs of the Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab. Photo: Richard Freeman
Guruwaal 2021 was the result of many months of engagement with members of the La Perouse Aboriginal community. Photo: Richard Freeman
Lights set on the stairs and above the bleachers mean the artwork is visible at all times of the day. Photo: Richard Freeman.
Photo: Richard Freeman
Photo: Richard Freeman
Photo: Richard Freeman
Before work commenced on the new Alumni Park project, a local member of the La Perouse community, Uncle Dean Kelly conducted a smoking ceremony. Photo: Adam Phelan
Dean Kelly explains the importance of smoking ceremonies. Photo: Adam Phelan
Photo: Adam Phelan
Photo: Adam Phelan
As a part of the process, UNSW hosted a few of the Elders for an artwork shop, where they could begin creating their designs. The art was translated to be applied to the larger built environment. Photo: Adam Phelan
As a part of the process, UNSW hosted a few of the Elders for an artwork shop, where they could begin creating their designs. The art was translated to be applied to the larger built environment. Photo: Adam Phelan
As a part of the process, UNSW hosted a few of the Elders for an artwork shop, where they could begin creating their designs. The art was translated to be applied to the larger built environment. Photo: Adam Phelan
As a part of the process, UNSW hosted a few of the Elders for an artwork shop, where they could begin creating their designs. The art was translated to be applied to the larger built environment. Photo: Adam Phelan
As a part of the process, UNSW hosted a few of the Elders for an artwork shop, where they could begin creating their designs. The art was translated to be applied to the larger built environment. Pictured is Uncle Greg Simms. Photo: Adam Phelan
As a part of the process, UNSW hosted a few of the Elders for an artwork shop, where they could begin creating their designs. The art was translated to be applied to the larger built environment. Photo: Adam Phelan
As a part of the process, UNSW hosted a few of the Elders for an artwork shop, where they could begin creating their designs. The art was translated to be applied to the larger built environment. Photo: Adam Phelan
As a part of the process, UNSW hosted a few of the Elders for an artwork shop, where they could begin creating their designs. The art was translated to be applied to the larger built environment. Photo: Adam Phelan
In line with the Culture and Country pillar of UNSW's Indigenous Strategy, the new look Alumni Park integrates local community stories and art.
Guruwaal 2021, the new artwork and a key element of the revitalised Alumni Park, has been the result of working and consulting over many months with the local Aboriginal community in La Perouse.
This included having a smoking ceremony before work commenced and having the artwork designed and led by local Elders.
Alumni Park is a space on UNSW's western Kensington campus recently revitalised to provide new recreation facilities for students and staff, embrace the history of the land and its people, and recognise the contribution of alumni.
Further art and audio scapes will be added to complete the project later this year and into 2022.
The gallery documents the journey including the finished artwork, the workshops with Elders, and the smoking ceremony conducted before work began.
Construction of the revitalised Alumni Park by Estate Management was finalised earlier this month.
Artwork credit:
Guruwaal 2021 - Engraving in concrete paving, counter-relief on wooden bleachers.
Uncle Greg Simms (Gadigal/Dharug), with guidance by Aunty Marjorie Dixon (Bidjigal) and Uncle Assen Timbery (Bidjigal) and interpretations by Danièle Hromek (Budawang/Yuin) and Samantha Rich (Wiradjuri).