Yaburgurt Memorial Public Art Project 

 

Know Y

 

Wandjoo Moorditj Baalap. Celebrating a significant figure in the Aboriginal community.

 

The City of Mandurah in partnership with the Yaburgurt Reference Group launched the Yaburgurt Public Artwork on 30^th April 2017.

Overlooking the water from Mandjar Square, the artwork commemorates the life of significant Aboriginal leader, Yaburgurt. The artwork is a culmination of three years’ community collaboration. 

The vision was to create a public artwork that will bring to life and commemorate the character and essence of Yaburgurt and his people, representing themes of tolerance, understanding and reconciliation; connecting residents and visitors to Mandurah’s diverse history and heritage and demonstrating the unique characteristics of the area. 

The team worked with Artsource  to create a rigorous process that resulted in the appointment of Noongar artist Peter Farmer and Little Rhino Designs.

Peter has an Associate Degree in Contemporary Aboriginal Art and Batchelor of Fine/Visual Arts with an extensive public art  background. He also teaches Noongar lanugage, telling tradition stories and producing and co-producing artworks with students and other artists, with the aim  of breaking  down the cultural barriers and creating better understanding and tolerance  of the diversities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.

Location of the artwork will overlook the estuary in Mandjar Square and will consist of a spherical shape with tall glass panels that represent the six Noongar seasons. Inserted into the glass panels will be designs capturing input and influences from the Aboriginal and wider community.

Peter Farmer said of the artwork concept, “…the circle or sphere represents the earth…reminding communities of how we are all part of a bigger global community that share this planet. The work also represents an infinite shape….one with no beginning or end…a constant journey..not just inclusive of the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities; but that of all communities throughout the world”.

A series of community workshops were held in 2015 and 2016 with a variety of schools, community groups and individuals (images below) who all contributed to the designs that were be placed within the glass panels of the artwork. Education programs are in place for   educators to include  Yaburgurt’s story as a resource for learning.

For more information: [email protected]

Click on images (below) to enlarge and view as gallery.