Celebrating Cultural Heritage through Art
A stunning new public artwork at Sunshine Coast City Hall welcomes visitors with a story of Maroochydore by Kabi Kabi artist and cultural leader, Lyndon Davis.
The new work is the outcome of a mentorship with renowned Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson. Celebrating the region’s indigenous culture and artistic talent through public art and the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.
Mentorship and Artistic Collaboration
Brian Robinson, a multi-skilled contemporary artist renowned for his works in painting, printmaking, sculpture, and design, has played a pivotal role in this project. With his roots deeply embedded in his Torres Strait Islander heritage and his upbringing on Thursday Island, Robinson's art often explores the boundaries between reality and fantasy. His extensive career as a curator and visual artist makes him an ideal mentor for emerging artists.
In the development of a new public artwork for City Hall, Robinson was engaged to mentor three Kabi Kabi artists; Lyndon Davis, Maurice Mickelo, and Hope O’Chin. Under the guidance of Brian Robinson, each artist was mentored to develop a concept design for the City Hall entrance, developing new skills in public arts to apply to their own artistic practice. After several weeks of mentorship, the artists presented their concepts to a panel of skilled experts who reviewed each of the artist’s work. Lyndon Davis’s work was selected to be commissioned and installed. As a celebration of our region’s First Nations people and culture, the artwork will become an important landmark for the Maroochydore CBD and a highlight of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.
The artwork embodies the richness of First Nations culture of the Sunshine Coast and the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous stories and practices through art in public spaces.
Lyndon Davis: Honouring Kabi Kabi Culture
Lyndon Davis, a significant Kabi Kabi artist with numerous works displayed throughout the region, draws inspiration from his upbringing on the Sunshine Coast. Raised by his grandparents, Davis grew up immersed in the stories and traditions of his ancestors. His artistic practice focuses on revitalizing traditional South-East Queensland arts, including song and dance, bark canoe making, shield making, and contemporary painting.
Davis's art is deeply connected to the land, featuring stories of seasonal changes, sea country landscapes, and local flora and fauna. His use of traditional geometrical designs and patterns pays homage to his cultural heritage and his ability to tell the stories of the Kabi Kabi people and region. This all comes together creating a unique blend of past and present.
Conceptual Statement: Dura Gunga (Mullet & Sea Eagle)
The new sculpture, titled "Dura Gunga (Mullet & Sea Eagle)," embodies the rich cultural narrative of the Kabi Kabi people. This work reflects the nomadic lifestyle of Aboriginal people, their deep connection to the land, and the intricate knowledge passed down through generations. The story of the Sea Eagle and the Mullet season is central to this piece, illustrating how the Kabi Kabi followed the hunting seasons and lived sustainably off the land.
"Dura Gunga" tells the story of the mullet hunting season and the guidance provided by the Sea Eagle (Gunga). The Kabi Kabi people observed the red stringy bark's shedding to determine when the Diamond Scale Sea Mullet would be running. This connection between the plant and the fish is a profound example of the Aboriginal understanding of nature's cycles.
Preserving Cultural Heritage through Public Art
Public art, as demonstrated by this artwork, serves as a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural preservation. Artists like Davis use their work to activate spaces, creating meaningful experiences for viewers and promoting awareness of cultural identity. This sculpture not only enhances the aesthetic of the Sunshine Coast City Hall but also educates the community about the rich heritage of the Kabi Kabi people.
The installation of "Dura Gunga (Mullet & Sea Eagle)" at the Sunshine Coast City Hall is a testament to the collaborative spirit of indigenous and contemporary artists. Through the mentorship of Brian Robinson and the creative vision of Lyndon Davis and his fellow Kabi Kabi artists, this project bridges cultural heritage with public engagement. It stands as a reminder of the importance of preserving indigenous stories and the enduring legacy of the Sunshine Coast's traditional custodians.