MOSAIC LAND 1 & 2
2021. Karla Katitjin Bushfire Centre of Excellence.
Anodised aluminium on painted steel frame.
[1] Front: 10.1m wide x 4.78m high
[2] Rear: 6.1m wide x 4.66m high
Additional works on site: [3] Gates: various sizes
[4] Carpark compounds: 10.36m x 2.4m x 1.3 h and
14.8 m x 2.6m x 2.1m high
COLLABORATIVE PUBLIC ART
The artwork suite Mosaic Land takes the form of front [1] and rear [2] perforated, anodized metal shade-screens to the Karla Katitjin Bushfire Centre of Excellence entries. The centre brings together the expertise of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures to ensure best fire management practices. These artworks were created in collaboration with Karrie-Anne Kearing Salmon, the traditional owner of the Bindjareb land on which this is sited, to ensure a dual-lens (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) approach to the artwork response.
AMPLIFYING ABORIGINAL VOICES
The screen’s abstracted designs are inspired by centuries of Indigenous land and fire management practices. Through their intimate knowledge of seasonal patterns and flora and fauna habitats, fire was used to shape niche ecologies. Achieved via a ‘mosaic’ of patch-firing Aboriginals were able to control fires and stimulate the growth of diverse species. This ensured a sustainable cycle of habitat, food, and biodiversity, whilst minimising the risk of large-scale fire devastation. Emphasising this approach, the artwork of ‘Mosaic Land 1 & 2’ features layering, differing colour tones, and contemporary fabrication techniques with depictions of diverse local flora, to capture the breadth of traditional knowledge, fire management, and care of country.
As nature and Indigenous practices are interwoven and synergistic, the artwork itself further reflects this dynamic interaction through overlaid abstracted graphics, based on elements of the environment such as the Balga (Xanthorrhoea/ Grass tree), banksia pods, burnt trees, and the Zamia palm amongst others, to reflect this vibrant co-existence. The sense of depth and movement created from overlapping differing hole sizes with varied spacings visually creates a vibrational effect to reinforce the energy and dynamism of the landscape.
