Three Aboriginal artists chosen to tell cultural stories with artwork at Albemarle’s Paris Grove development

Three Aboriginal artists with strong connections to the region have been chosen to tell cultural stories through art in an Australind development. Noongar artists Chris Collard, Carlene Thorne and Adrian Collard have been selected to have their art featured at the main entrance and on way-finding signage throughout Albemarle’s Paris Grove development, which will house workers building the company’s Kemerton lithium processing plant expansion. The selection of the artists follows art development workshops held with Elders by FORM titled Building a State of Creativity in Bunbury last year. Elders identified cultural themes and stories they wanted reflected in art at Paris Grove, including the Noongar Six Seasons. Names for buildings in the development were also workshopped, with the administration building to be known as Katijin Miya (knowledge place) and the dining hall as Miya Ngaarniny (eating place). The three artists drew on inspiration growing up in the South West for their work. Wardandi and Wilmen artist Chris Collard designed a giant Banksia seed pod which is set to feature prominently at Paris Grove’s entry. “I’ve been painting for many years, and I like to tell stories through my artwork about places important to me, like growing up along the Australind estuary and Collie River,” he said. Wardandi woman Carlene Thorne will use her screening artwork to showcase stories from consulted Elders, depicting flora and fauna from the area. “It came about from stories of sitting by the water around a camp fire and sending smoke signals that people could see for miles, welcoming people to come join the feast,” she said. “Growing up in and around Bunbury, I have spent many, many days and nights sitting by the water around a fire, cooking food with the family, so I felt that connection to the Elders’ stories.” Adrian Collard developed designs for way-finding signs throughout Paris Grove which explores the traditional six seasons. “The Australind area was the main hunting ground for me, my dad and my brothers, and I’m lucky to have had parents who passed their cultural knowledge to me so I can share it with others,” he said. Albemarle Australian capital projects vice president Joshua Rowan noted the reasons behind the company’s commissioning. “(We) commissioned the artwork to honour the First Nations heritage and connection with the site and recognising their culture, history and deep connection to Australind was an important focus of the development,” he said.