A new garden established at the University of Tasmania’s recently completed Inveresk campus has resulted in a reflective, native landscape that is rich in First Nations identity and culture.
The Riawunna Garden at River’s Edge, designed by Wardle, T3D Studios, and Aspect Studios, is located near the university’s north-eastern entrance. The garden features native plants, a performance space, and four artworks designed by Tasmanian Aboriginal artists Genie Battese and Lynne Spotswood.
Battese and Spotswood were commissioned to convey and embed First Nations stories throughout the garden, a vision that was brought to life through the design of outdoor screens, seating, a shade shelter and fire pit cover.
Collaborating with the university’s design team, the artists developed works that showcase earthly elements, as well as represent the spirits of Aboriginal people, those from the past and those still living. The spirits are depicted as moving through the landscape and connecting with Country.
Family and community, as well as native reeds and grasses are illustrated on the metal garden screens, and have been achieved through a laser cutting process.
The element of fire is visible on the fire pit lid with the word ”patrula” (fire) inscribed directly underneath. Etched into the pavement are the words “kanamaluka” (Tamar River), “laykila” (North Esk River) and ”plipatumila” (South Esk River), giving recognition to the context of the site and its connection to freshwater.
“We were walking along laykila/the North Esk River looking at all the reeds, the grasses and the river flow, all the noises and the smells, and just listening. That’s when we got the idea that we’d have the theme of rivers and reeds in our artwork,” Spotswood said.
“Freshwater is also essential, and so is fire, so we incorporated those two elements in the commission along with our community connections and palawa kani – our language.”
The shade canopy comprises nine sections, with each section symbolising Tasmania’s nine Aboriginal Nations.
Image:
Courtesy of University of Tasmania
The seat and shelter were inspired by the traditional practice of basket-weaving. The shade canopy comprises nine sections, with each section symboliszing Tasmania’s nine Aboriginal Nations. The shelter will eventually house woven artwork displays crafted by Aboriginal people.
“I imagine visitors of the Riawunna Garden will feel very peaceful and relaxed as it’s where people will be sitting down and yarning, and they might go and explore and hopefully reflect on the old people who would have once been walking through the freshwater and hunting and gathering there,” Spotswood said.
Amanda Kay from T3D Studios said their practice met up with Genie and Lynne over a period of three months to assist with transforming their ideas into physical artworks.
“Through a series of workshops, we worked with Genie and Lynne who spoke of their cultural heritage and identity, sharing personal stories and experiences which both informed and enriched the three artworks for the garden. I have been empowered by this exchange and connect deeply with the work,” Kay said.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
