Moorditch Wirrin Kep 2017 Wadjuk Boodja South Perth Western Australia
This site specific artwork is made from the flowers, nuts and sticks of the local banksia plant, which used to grow all along the river and deep yellow sands which lie deep in the ground. During the summer when the local aboriginal people would camp near the site of the artwork and the banksia/Mangart were flowering, they would widen a spring and lay blossom to create a sweet and medicinal drink. According to Hansen/Horsfall (2016), in Noongar Bush Medicine, an infusion of Banksia flowers was used to relieve coughs and sore throats. The artwork recalls a time when people could use the fresh water and acknowledges the medicinal qualities of local plants. This work was made with the help of local community volunteers
Collaborators - Kerri-Ann Winmar, South Perth Aboriginal Refernce group, Bruce Abbott - Replants, Ivy Penny, Evan Coumbe, Nelle Clocherty- Coumbe, Banjo Clocherty- Coumbe, Caro Bannister, Finn Juniper, Duncan Mckay South Perth locals - Thank you!