ngarta-kiira (to return to country) #1
Maker
Zena Cumpston
Date
2023
Description
My art practice explores the interrelationships between people, plants and animals on my Barkandji Country. Through each of these works I celebrate and signpost layered knowledge. For example, the emu footprint missing one toe encodes an ingenious lesson about how to find emu eggs when you are hungry, taught to me by my Barkandji Elders.
I have included kopi, which is gypsum from our Country, processed and utilised in traditional mourning practices but also, importantly, as part of celebrations and joyous occasions. The inclusion of kopi manifests my Country and culture as physically ever-present within me. Circles embody holistic knowledge and continuation.
Through these works, I celebrate the many ways our people have kept Country and food ways strong, despite the many ongoing challenges we face as colonised peoples. I also mourn that it is still too rare that our deep knowledge and custodial responsibility as First Peoples is empowered.
Winner of WAMA Art Prize works on paper 2023
Edition of 1/5
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Object detail
framed in Blackwood with UV resistant museum glass.
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