2014
PASSAGE THROUGH CEREMONY
Artist: Gayle Maddigan
PASSAGE THROUGH CEREMONY, originally commissioned by the City of Greater Bendigo, was a collaboration between the artist and the Indigenous tribes that are represented within Dja Dja Wurrung Country, the City of Greater Bendigo and surrounding districts. Installed in the Wyndham Art Gallery, the artwork explores connection to country: past, present and future and represents kinship lines through blood. A culturally significant artwork, it symbolizes the connection to country that is unique in Australia to Indigenous people. While this doesn’t ignore the deep connection to the land that many non-Indigenous Australians have and the sense of belonging that newly arrived immigrants and refugees have a claim to, it is something that is hard to fully understand as a non-Indigenous person. An Indigenous connection to the earth that lies beneath our feet and the spiritual reciprocity that comes with this unique relationship to land, is something that goes back for over 2000 generations. Made of red material and replete with rich textures, PASSAGE THROUGH CEREMONY represents, in Gayle’s words, ‘the spiritual and physical relationship to the land according to traditional law and customs’.
VISITOR COMMENTS
Incredible piece. Works like great art does – emotionally feeling it in you, art and connectivity on a level aside of the intellect.
A very striking, vivid and profound art exhibition. Amazing imagery that tells a moving and important story that cannot be forgotten or downgraded. Well done and congratulations.
Andrew
I have just come from a very successful flag raising ceremony and this art work completes my day. I spent some time sitting on the steps reading and listening to fully understand the installation. Good work and thankyou Gayle Maddigan.
Glenis M
It reminds me of something deep within me I cannot explain.
Vicki
Misterioso…..sombrio….intestrialo.
Hugo