107 Presents: miyarnu bundara at Sculpture By The Sea, Cottesloe

Since time immemorial, Aboriginal people have been the continuing custodians of this country now known as Australia. As the longest continuous culture in the world, Aboriginal people have a deep and direct connection and interconnection with the land, the water, the sky and the miyarnu*.

Through sculpture and activation, miyarnu bundara invites us to look up at the night sky, share in the star stories and miyarnu* which unites us all. Moved by stories from my Elder Elvie Dann and her connection to the stars and knowledge of Emu dreaming stories from Yamatji Wajarri country, this participatory work on Cottesloe Beach will celebrate the depth and richness of Aboriginal astronomy.

Led by artist Nicole Monks with Jenine Boeree, Kristine Townsend, Sharyn Egan, Billy Mac and David Leha, miyarnu bundara is a continuation of gawura guruwin/burna nhurra, presented on Tamarama Beach for Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2018. Nicole is the Packer Family Foundation and Crown Resorts Foundation Indigenous Invited Artist, inviting her to present miyarnu bundara at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe in 2019.

This project is supported under the 107 Presents Artist Residency Program.

Activation Dates & Times

The artwork is available to view at Cottesloe Beach throughout the exhibition, but will also be activated during specific times:

Sunday March 3, 7.30pm: First Nations activation
Followed by audience activation every day, 4-6pm

*knowing (Wajarri language)

Support the Project

Show your support for miyarnu bundara at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe by purchasing the official miyarnu bundara singlet. Designed by Nicole Monks and screen printed in Redfern by resident artist Josh Gilchrist, all profits from the sale of this singlet will support artist fees, travel expenses, and install expenses. Kids sizes available. Grab one now!

Collaborators:

Nicole Monks, Jenine Boeree, Kristine Townsend, Sharyn Egan, Billy McPherson and David Leha

Creative Producer:

Charlotte Hilder

Sound:

David Leha, Amy Willing

For more information, visit www.aboriginalastronomy.com.au.

The use of emu feathers in my work is an extension of my practice and cultural expression. I use them not to offend, but to bring people together to reflect on our universal connection. The earth, the plants, the animals, the people, the land, the sea, the sky and spirit; to remember we are all interconnected.

I have consulted and have the support from my Yamatji Wajarri Elders to exhibit this artwork.