Artwork by Emily Rose and Robyn Jean LEARN MORE
Public art can revitalise urban spaces, adding vibrancy, inclusivity, and cultural richness. When honouring the past, it can also pave the way for community healing and growth, transforming city squares into dynamic hubs of connection and inspiration.
The upcoming project, Kaarl Boyak Naariny (Fire is Burning on the Rocks) in Walyalup Koort (the civic heart of Walyalup/Fremantle) in WA, is set to achieve exactly this.
Kaarl Boyak Naariny is the result of City of Fremantle’s long-held aspiration to create a powerful, contemporary public artwork that respects and recognises the entire Noongar Nation and creates a sense of place.
Supported by a Lotterywest grant, the artwork will provide connection to country, relationships and reconciliation and offer the Noongar clans of the South West of WA a unique truth telling opportunity.
The artwork by local artists Sharyn Egan and Simon Gilby will include an assembly of large stones geographically aligned to the 14 Noongar clans, a fire vessel, a field of illuminated stars and a digital element showcasing stories of Noongar culture.
It will recognise all 14 Noongar clans from Geraldton to Esperance with each of the 14 large stones representing their respective country. Each stone will be sought from the Traditional Owners of each clan and, with their consent, be transported to Walyalup Koort for final installation. The stones will be located with precision – both in terms of orientation towards their place of origin while reflecting the distance from their place of origin.
Kaarl Boyak Naariny will compliment and contradict the urban colonial environment in which it will sit, in the public square between the heritage listed St John’s Anglican Church and the architecturally award-winning Walyalup Civic Centre building.
Despite encountering various technical and creative challenges early on, the project has developed over many years into its current form. Initially conceived as the ‘Windows to the Past’ concept to interpret the former church and archaeological finds within Walyalup Koort, it has evolved to embrace themes and stories that connect to Noongar culture.
The artwork has gained strong support from the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and the Cultural Advice Committee with three Elders nominated by the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council to provide insight and guidance on the project through the Whadjuk Working Group.
Kaarl Boyak Naariny, along with the City’s proposed plans for public realm upgrades to support the project, continues the transformation of what was previously known as Kings Square, now Walyalup Koort.
Walyalup Koort is a special meeting place of the past, present and future and Kaarl Boyak Naariny is set to create a sense of belonging and pride, engaging the local community and visitors from all over the world.
