MEDIA RELEASE • 7 AUGUST 2023
On Friday, the final three of four First Nations artworks were unveiled, completing the reveal of one of the most exciting design elements of the Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment.
First Nations Artists, Tarryn Love (Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong), Gerard Black (Worimi) and Mick Ryan (Ngarrindjeri Gunditjmara) revealed their respective interior works, alongside Geelong Arts Centre CEO & Creative Director, Joel McGuinness, Member for Geelong and Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples, Christine Couzens MP, and Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, Ash Skinner.
Wrapping the walls and panels of The Story House theatre at Geelong Arts Centre, proud Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong artist Tarryn Love’s work centres on yoowak (the night), encompassing three thematic layers: kakatheereeng, meenkeel, wootyook (the stars), tanteen tyamoorn (the Milky Way), and alam meen (Ancestors wrapped in their Possum Skin Cloaks). Tarryn’s work spans approximately 500 custom made panels that cover approximately 1600sqm of space.
Appearing as a mural in Geelong Arts Centre's dedicated dining space, Worimi man Gerard Black's work is inspired by growing up on Wadawurrung Country and his experiences exploring Spring Creek.
The patterns used in his work represent the ways that eels move in water, and the ripples they create. The work's main subject, the eel, is set forward and illuminated, which creates the illusion of movement. Sitting at approximately approximately 10sqm in scale, the work is a prominent feature within the dining space.
Ngarrindjeri and Gunditjmara man and musical artist, Mick Ryan’s work, installed as a soundscape throughout the Level 1 glass link foyer at Geelong Arts Centre.
Inspired by the Moonah Forest, Mick's work consists of a range of different sounds and instruments, including guitar, bass guitar, percussion, tree branches, nesting birds and wind sounds, and has been crafted to emulate the sound of the Moonah Forest environment.
This morning’s reveal also marks the very first look into The Story House; Geelong Arts Centre’s innovative and flexible multi-format 550 seat theatre, which can expand to 850 in ‘flat floor gig mode’ mode.
Coming together as co-designers, ARM Architecture, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the wider First Nations community have woven traditional stories of the land, language, water and sky, and the colours and textures of Moonah trees, ochre, and granite stone throughout the layers of the building.
Amplifying the voices of the local First Nations community, ARM Architecture have worked closely with Wadawurrung artist Kait James, and local First Nations artists Tarryn Love, Gerard Black and Mick Ryan to showcase First Nations stories through the campus and present their works in new and fascinating ways.
An integral part of the Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment has been building a meaningful connection to Country and the wider Geelong community through its design.
The artists shared the stories behind their unique artworks in May 2022 through a collection of captivating videos.
Their works were selected through an Expression of Interest process promoted by Geelong Arts Centre in 2021.
The Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment is backed with a $140 million investment from the Victorian Government and opens to the public on 19 August, 2023.
For more information about the extraordinary First Nations artworks, visit https://geelongartscentre.org.au/about-us/little-malop-street-redevelopment/extraordinary-artists/
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QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE
“As we approach the highly anticipated opening of the redeveloped Geelong Arts Centre, we are thrilled to reveal the exquisite and diverse works of Tarryn Love, Gerard Black and Mick Ryan. The experience of collaborating with First Nations artists has been truly extraordinary, and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing visitors be wowed by their remarkable creations.”
Quote attributable to Geelong Arts Centre CEO & Creative Director,
Joel McGuinness
“These creations not only celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our community but also symbolise the profound impact they will have on inspiring future generations of visitors and performers alike. Having these works embedded in the brand new Geelong Arts Centre will strengthen the bonds within our community, leaving a lasting legacy of unity and creativity for years to come."
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong and Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples,
Christine Couzens MP
“With this work, I have aimed to transport listeners to the heart of the Moonah Forest. I hope that as people walk through the Geelong Arts Centre foyer and hear this soundscape, they’ll feel a meaningful connection to nature and to my culture."
Quote attributable to Ngarrindjeri Gunditjmara artist,
Mick Ryan
“Creating this work has provided me with a platform to further embrace and share my culture. I’m excited for visitors to Geelong Arts Centre to get up close and personal with the work, fall in love with the eel, and the stories of my culture."
Quote attributable to Worimi artist,
Gerard Black
“It's deeply meaningful to see my culture and heritage embraced and celebrated at Geelong Arts Centre. This opportunity not only allows me to share my artistic vision but also serves as a powerful statement of recognition for my art and its significance in contemporary society. Seeing my work finished and displayed at scale, and knowing that it will inspire and resonate with the community and visitors for generations to come, is really special."
Quote attributable to Gunditjmara Keerray Woorrong artist,
Tarryn Love