Aboriginal Survival Memorial
LOCATION
Yeo Park, Ashfield, NSW
YEAR
2024
CLIENT
Innerwest Council
TEAM
Umbaco Landscape Architects | From Bush to Bowl | Milli Milli with artists: Nicole Monks and Maddison Gibbs
ABORIGINAL MEMORIAL – BREATHE
Umbaco was delighted to collaborate with artists Nicole Monks, Maddison Gibbs and their team at Milli Milli, to create this iconic Aboriginal Memorial, with the sculpture “Breathe’ as a centre piece. This sculpture is the first of three that the Innerwest Council will build to celebrate the survival and resilience of the local Aboriginal community. This memorial is a place of reconciliation between the indigenous and non-indigenous people of Ashfield and beyond. The space is circular to emulate the two paths that meet in the centre, with seating along the edges looking in. The artwork is interactive in many ways, as described by the artists in their own words:
“In the artwork ‘Breathe’, carefully placed and engraved sandstone boulders (243) act as portals to ancient stories. This is a work to be experiences and interacted with. The varying spaces and pathways celebrate the healing journey that is often unique and indirect, supported and guided by Community and Country. The simple form and arrangement of the sandstone boulders (ranging from 150mm to 1000mm in diameter) allow for a multitude of uses and different types of interactions and experiences. The boulders are carefully chosen and placed by colour and size to create an intricate layered spiral pattern drawing people to a central space. The central boulder has carved handprints on its surface encouraging participants to stop, touch, reflect and connect to the earth and each other. Other boulders have symbology developed through workshops with Community carved into them that are significant to this place and them. Native plants are also growing and weaving their way through the boulders. The work celebrates survival and resilience of First Nation people by focusing on Country, Community and Connection.”
