A landmark First Nations artwork will be embedded into the fabric of Bendigo Art Gallery's View Street building as part of the Gallery's transformational redevelopment project.
Titled Woven, the major new public artwork by senior weaver and cultural knowledge holder Aunty Marilyne Nicholls will be integrated into the façade of the new building, combining ancestral knowledge, traditional weaving practices and cutting-edge architectural technologies on a monumental scale.
Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Corr said the commission represented a significant investment in First Nations culture and contemporary public art.
"This landmark artwork is a powerful expression of culture, connection and creativity that will inspire residents and visitors alike, and create a lasting legacy for future generations," Cr Corr said.
"It not only honours the rich cultural heritage of Dja Dja Wurrung People but also strengthens Bendigo's reputation as a city that values and celebrates First Nations voices, art and storytelling."
A multi-clan woman from freshwater and saltwater Country, Aunty Marilyne's practice is deeply grounded in tradition, kinship, and connection to the natural environment.
Aunty Marilyne said a key part of her artistic process involved gathering natural fibres from waterways and landscapes across Country.
"Weaving has always been part of my family's story, and keeping the practice alive is so important to me. I love to see young people develop their passion for it too," she said.
"Part of my weaving practice is spending time quietly connecting with Country, especially the waterways where the weaving grasses grow. I hope this work inspires conversations amongst people about plant fibres, traditional practice, biodiversity, and environmental issues."
Bendigo Art Gallery Director Jessica Bridgfoot said the commission represented a defining element of the Gallery's redevelopment.
"We are thrilled to have Aunty Marilyne's work adorning our new building. It brings a beautifully organic and playful quality to the geometry of the View Street architecture, and grounds the building within the surrounding gardens," Ms Bridgfoot said.
"This landmark public artwork honours women's knowledge on a monumental scale.
"Aunty Marilyne's work provides a powerful link between the past and the future. It resonates strongly with the historic Dja Dja Wurrung cultural belongings, which will reside in the new Place of Keeping just below the View Street façade, and the program of exhibitions featuring vibrant expressions of contemporary First Nations art today."
Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Acting CEO Cassandra Lewis said the Gallery's commitment to commissioning work from a Dja Dja Wurrung artist was a welcome acknowledgement Dja Dja Wurrung historical and contemporary culture.
"Aunty Marilyne is celebrated for her weaving skill and knowledge. It's wonderful that Dja Dja Wurrung cultural practice will continue to be showcased and celebrated through Aunt's weaving for generations to come," Ms Lewis said.
"For Dja Dja Wurrung People, who have often felt invisible on our own Country, this says, 'We are here. This is our culture. We belong.' It's a powerful symbol for us.
"DJAARA greatly values our partnership with Bendigo Art Gallery - in particular, the Gallery's genuine approach to working with Dja Dja Wurrung People (Djaara). This extends to the Gallery's sincere efforts to connect with the pre-colonial cultural history of the site on which the Gallery now stands, and the ongoing representation of Dja Dja Wurrung art, artefacts, and stories within the new building.
"We appreciate the lengths to which the Gallery has gone to enable Djaara to be self-determined in the way both we and the general public interact with Dja Dja Wurrung cultural items housed within the Gallery."
