Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Deanne Gilson celebrated the unveiling of her new artwork with the first Corroboree performed at the site in 200 years
The Indigenous Sculpture Park in Ballarat has seen the reawakening of a sacred site, thanks to the work of local artist and Wadawurrung traditional owner, Deanne Gilson.
The public artwork — titled Murrup Larr, Ancestral Stones — is a traditional stone circle located near the site of the last Corroboree held in the area in the 1800s.
Deanne, a research student with the NIKERI Institute, was inspired to create this work as a way of continuing knowledge and reaching back into the past.
‘I have used the traditional stone circle as a way to connect the past actions of my ancestors to the present time,’ says Deanne, ‘There used to be a Corroboree site and stone circle in Ballarat before white man came to the area. I am putting back what was there and reconnecting to my culture.’
The stone circle sits near an ancient and sacred Corroboree site
The 6-foot-tall stones have been engraved with clay plaques which depict symbols meaningful to Deanne’s practice and research. The research she’s conducted as part of her PhD at IKE enabled her to strengthen the connection between contemporary art and cultural significance. At the March 23 unveiling of the artwork, the site was commemorated with the performance of the first Corroboree in 200 years.
After an extensive application process, Deanne was selected by industry professionals to create this piece by the City of Ballarat. Along with the space, she was also given a grant to complete the artwork.
‘The grant Deanne received from the City of Ballarat was used to provide employment and training for local community people, to assist with the installation of her magnificent sculptures.’ says Aunty Janis Koolmatrie, Elder in Residence at IKE, ‘She’s an inspirational artist and scholar.’
Deanne employed members of her local community to help clear the space for the artwork and move a large amount of dirt and stones.
In creating this artwork, Deanne knew that she didn’t want to set out to make the “prettiest” artwork or the latest colourful contemporary piece. She simply wanted to create something that was deeply connected to traditional culture. She wanted to create a space where the legacy of the Wadawurrung people could be celebrated, so that she would have something to pass on to future generations.
The formation of the artwork depicts the beliefs and practices of those who lived on the land before colonisation. The site connects to the ancestors’ beliefs that were based in finding meaning and connection in the stars and cosmology.
Deanne also wanted to demonstrate that these beliefs have endured for generations, and show the part of her identity that’s unchanged from that of her ancestors.
‘I wanted to show that I’m still the same as my ancestors.’ She says, ‘I’m the same, my mother is the same — she believes the same things that they did.’
Each stone is engraved with symbolic clay plaques
Deanne says that she hopes all visitors to the park — both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people — experience the site as a place of peace and reflection.
‘It’s just for people to really reflect on Aboriginal history and what’s gone on,’ she says, ‘so they can see that we’re still alive, that we survived and that we’re here. It’s about retelling stories and keeping stories alive.’
You can view Deanne’s work in the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park — Corner Zoo Drive and Wendouree Parade, Ballarat, Victoria.