Three large bronze sculptures by Aboriginal artists have been installed along the foreshore to commemorate the encounter between the local Aboriginal people and the crew of the HMB Endeavour. The sculptures were installed in April 2020 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of this event and to share stories of the many layers of significance of this special site. The works were commissioned by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in close collaboration with key stakeholders including the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council. A smoking ceremony was held on 20 April 2020 prior to installation of the sculptures commencing.
The whale mother and calf were formed with intricate engravings. They were designed and sculpted by artists Theresa Ardler and Julie Squires. Theresa Ardler explained that these are based on her painting on her Budbili, a possum skin cloak. ‘The story behind my Budbili is connected to the Sydney rock engravings of the mother humpback whale and her baby, out at La Perouse on the shores of Botany Bay. This engraving is a prominent landmark from my ancestors who carved the rock and continues to hold cultural and spiritual connection to our sea and country.’ In explaining the story behind the canoes, Theresa said, ‘the Gweagal Clan traditionally fished from stringy bark canoes. They lit fires in their canoes on a base of white clay. The firelight attracted fish to the canoe, making them easier to catch.
A Rock Weave was also installed near the whales. This woven fishing net was hand made by Aboriginal Master Weaver Phyllis Stewart and cast into bronze by sculptor Julie Squires.
Posted by Clement Tang * on 2023-01-24 07:09:27
Tagged: , Mother and Calf whale sculptures , Kurnell , Kamay Botany Bay , NSW , New South Wales , Art Installation , Large art installation , Australia , Summer afternoon , HDR , full frame , uncropped , geo tagged , blue sky , white clouds , white waves , bronze sculpture , gum tree , National Geographic , seascape , sea shore , Rock formation , CPL filter , Travel , Master Weaver Phyllis Stewart , sculptor Julie Squires , Theresa Ardler , horizon , Concordians , Scenics,notjustlandscapes! , GrandeMareGroup , landscape , foreshore , NPWS , Aboriginal Master Weaver Phyllis Stewart , side-lit , waterscape
