Kaurna
South Australia
In celebration of 20 years of ceramics at Ernabella Arts, GGA co-created with JamFactory and the artists an exhibition of significant artworks, drawing on the relationship between the artwork, community and landscape. Qualities and characteristics of both the built and natural environment are brought to the gallery space, where the artists feel as though a piece of their home has been brought to the gallery, and that visitors have a sense of being transported to Pukatja. Central to the exhibition space is the corrugated iron display plinth, its sweeping curves referencing the aerial view of the landscape. Set against a backdrop of the dramatic landscape, the ceramic pieces rest on a bed of ochre-coloured dirt, brought in from Pukatja. Resourceful, like the artists themselves, the low-impact exhibition made use of reusable and recyclable materials that are rooted in a sense of place.
The immersive and considered exhibition design that GGA created for Ernabella Arts: Ceramic Warka Wiru 20 Years-Kutu (20 Years of Creating Ceramics) was invaluable in transporting gallery visitors to the remote First Nations community of Pukatja as they navigated the exhibition. The considered focus on incorporating materials and aesthetic cues from the township and surrounding landscape captured the sense of place that lies at the heart of Ernabella Arts, while also expressing the values and rhythm of everyday life in the desert community. The communication of the visceral experience of Ernabella brought greater meaning to visitors’ understanding of the display.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
