David Lee Pereira; Amina Briggs

New-Natural

Amina Briggs, a proud Boonwurrung, Ugar and Erub woman has painted traditional Boonwurrung diamond symbols, challenging the misconception that Aboriginal people only use dot motifs in artwork. Diamonds are of great significance to the Boonwurrung because of their connection and representation of the Land; sharp lines show both a resemblance to the Yarra River (Birrarung: River of Mists) and the lines seen within rocks and tree barks.

David Lee Pereira’s depiction of the Maidenhair fern, a species endemic to the Dandenong ranges, overlays the Boonwurrung symbols and expresses the evolution of Ferntree Gully, paying respect to the Land that came before us. Plastic zip ties, scattered amongst the foliage are used by the artist to represent the impact of humans on the natural landscape. Australia only recycles approximately 18% of its plastic packaging and each year consumes 3.5 million tonnes of plastic, with large amounts of this pollution affecting our environment.

Waa, the Australian Raven serves as the protector of the waterways across Melbourne. For Amina, the train lines are a modern representation of waterways, flowing through Melbourne providing transport. Historically, waterways held immense importance for her Boonwurrung ancestors, providing safe passage and essential resources. Water remains significant for the Boonwurrung people, therefore Waa represents the spirit of safe passage for passengers using our train lines.

The worm depicted in New-Natural is a whimsical embodiment of trains, an expression of something so industrial and functional, yet linked to the natural world. It speaks to a delicate balance between human progress and ecological harmony. The train assumes the role of the worm because of the similarities between them, both representing underground movement and having a great impact of surrounding environments. The two ravens in conflict over the worm embody the entanglement of Indigenous culture with an ever-changing environment. This portrayal unveils the harsh reality of our era; a scarcity of resources stemming from the urban world, encroaching on nature’s domain. The birds’ battle for the worm parallels the Boonwurrung people’s historic struggle and their connection with the land.

This battle continues into the present as the birds contend for survival amid environmental shifts. This draws another connection to David’s work, contrasting the ferns with red ties. The birds’ intense competition signifies their urgency to secure sustenance in a changing environment that values plastic over the importance of native bird.

 

Medium Description:

Resene Lumberslider Acrylic Paint

Location Information:

East-facing wall of 46 Station Street Ferntree Gully

Gps Latitude:

-37.88313130

Gps Longitude:

145.29578383

Date Of Work:

January 2024