Symphony of the Dreaming
Sydney, NSW | Gadigal
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Cara Djubak
Justin Martin, Milne & Stonehouse, Cheryl Martin
An iconic gateway symbolises First Nations traditions
Public Art
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Project details
CASUARINA, WA | NYOONGAR
2024Client: Main Roads WA, City of Kwinana
Artists: Justin Martin, Milne & Stonehouse, Cheryl Martin
Partners: Element Advisory, Raubex Construction, PartridgeInspired by the wild flowers of Kwinana, 'Cara Djubak' is an iridescent interpretation of native spider orchids, cradled within a Yooral (a carrying vessel) and resting on top of paperbark trunks. This artwork is prominently displayed at a major thoroughfare, signalling the gateway into the City of Kwinana.
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Video by City of Kwinana: 'Cara Djubak' Spider Orchids Sculpture -
Background
Towering at ten meters tall, Cara Djubak was conceived by local artist, Justin Martin, a Wadjuk descendant and in consultation with Nyoongar Yamatji Aboriginal artist and cultural advisor, Cheryl Martin. The public artwork was commissioned by Main Roads WA and the City of Kwinana, with support from developer funding, and is located at a major roundabout intersection into the city.
Informed by the stories and traditions passed down by his grandmothers, Martin’s deeply rooted ancestral connections to the region are expressed through the sculpture. The sculpture represents the process of collecting native flowers, plants and fruits in the Kwinana area and depicts spider orchids within a yooral (carrying vessel), which were used by women for collecting and cerermonial occasions. The sculpture is held up by three large supports, representing paperbark trees.
At night, integrated LED lights bring the sculpture to life with six colour schemes representing each of the six Nyoongar seasons. Composed of mild steel, Justin worked with Susan Milne and Greg Stonehouse to develop the artwork and its impact from all angles, creating a welcoming landmark to visitors of Kwinana.
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Tilt Services
Tilt was engaged with the artist team in the early stages of their proposal submission to provide project consultation, CAD and 3D modelling, detailed design drawings, documentation for construction and selection of material samples. Tilt also delivered the fabrication drawings and procurement, as well as the installation and project management of the sculpture.
With a history of working alongside the artists across previous public art projects, Tllt managed the process with coordinating fabricators located in Western Australia and oversaw the installation of the project, in remote WA. Tilt also worked alongside Main Roads Western Australia, where the project required traffic management to install the large-scale sculpture at a busy intersection.
- Project Consultation
- Detailed Design inc. CAD, certification, Lighting design, construction documentation
- Fabrication inc. shop drawings and procurement
- Installation, site documentation and handover
- Project Management
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Outcome
The monumental sculpture has uniquely transformed a common intersection into an iconic landmark that serves as a gateway into the City of Kwinana. As a welcome to locals and visitors of the city, it is an artistic expression that pays homage to the Nyoongar traditions embedded within the city’s landscape. Tilt is proud to deliver an authentic and vibrant public artwork that has maintained the original artistic intent and uplifted its community.
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“Tilt were an absolute pleasure to work with on the recently installed Cara Djubak public art project in the City of Kwinana. They were always approachable, happy to answer any question (no matter how big or small), attention to detail was exceptional and they provided detailed schedules that kept all the collaborators on track. Even with unforeseen delays, their team was unfailingly patient, helpful, and professional, ensuring a smooth and successful delivery.”
Jade McCallum, Community Development Officer Arts & Culture, City of Kwinana
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