A thought-provoking Aboriginal art installation that builds on themes of reconciliation has been unveiled at a bush tucker morning tea at DevelopmentWA's Allara estate during NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Moorditj Maara, a cultural art installation created by renowned Noongar artist Justin Martin in collaboration with Kambarang Services, has been installed in Kinkuna Park within the Eglinton estate.
Using traditional wood burning techniques, the art installation depicts Aboriginal spirituality.
It is designed to invoke conversations about meaning of place, the tribes who traditionally lived on the land and how their history influences the future.
Moorditj Maara is believed to be the first burning art installation in Perth's northern suburbs.
It was commissioned as part of project partners DevelopmentWA and Satterley Property Group's Aboriginal Engagement Plan for Allara, which aims to educate the local community and facilitate appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The art installation will now form an important part of the parklands at Allara - a residential estate located 20 minutes from the Joondalup city centre and immediately north of the future Eglinton train station.
As stated by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:
"The Western Australian community continues to develop its understanding of Aboriginal cultures, and Justin's important art installation encourages that journey to continue.
"DevelopmentWA and Satterley have placed a high value on Aboriginal engagement by naming the estate Allara, an indigenous word for sunlight - and the park which will house the artwork is called Kinkuna, which means laughing.
"As part of the community space at Allara, enjoyed by visitors and residents alike, I'd hope this artwork will spark interest and start positive conversations around Aboriginal history and culture."
As stated by Butler MLA John Quigley:
"This is a thought-provoking piece which highlights and explores Aboriginal culture, and it is a real treat to see it firsthand, particularly during NAIDOC Week.
"I am proud that the Allara Estate has been chosen for such a significant cultural project which enriches all our understandings of the Aboriginal history of this vast country."
