On Country/In Residence Day 01
There was a lovely turn-out of interested locals and stakeholders for the Launch at Karwarra Gardens.
Wurundjeri artist Mandy Nicholson welcomed us to Country and BodyPlaceProject artist/curator Gretel Taylor introduced the On Country/In Residence project, before setting off with our local supporters through Kalorama and into the forest via May Moon Track. Bringing our attention to the ‘dance that is already underway’, we gradually attuned to the surrounding environment through our senses.
After being sent on our way by the launch entourage, the artists continued onward and upward, then downward, then upward. And down and up some more! Mandy shared cultural knowledge and Woi wurrung names for birds and plants along the way, Tammy wore her ‘ancestral home’ (see below section) and Jill invited us all to lie on the earth along the path which was profoundly and literally grounding until a jogger came along! We all talked a lot acquainting with each other and the changing terrain. A huge and wonderful start.
Photography: Laki Sideris
Mobile Wong Ancestral Home
Tammy Wong Hulbert is a locally based Chinese-Australian artist, whose family has been in Australia for over five generations. Leading up to the walking residency, Tammy researched and created her 'Mobile Wong Ancestral Home' of Siew Chek Hum village, China, which she carried on her back during the walk to bring together her physical and ancestral homes. Through the metaphor of perseverance and struggle she carried her ancestral home, literally her baggage, to recognise the weight and responsibility of a transnational identity.
Improvisation
Yearning - Gulsen Ozer
Rebecca Murray
Reflections Day 1
‘On Country/In Residence’ is proudly supported by Yarra Ranges Council through an Arts and Heritage grant and ngurrak barring artists’ residency.
This project has also been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
