Sculptures at Wadjemup: Yoowarl Koorl Djinang / Come Look See Exhibition
Visit this outdoor art exhibition and enter a space of peaceful contemplation at the Wadjemup Museum Sculpture Garden.
- 9 June 2023 - June 2025
- All day
- Free event
The artworks inform visitors of the power of art as a tool for unification, and a reminder of both individuality and collectiveness. Each of the pieces are for sale.
The Sculpture Garden is accessible to view 24/7.
New artworks for sale as part of Sculptures at Wadjemup: Yoowarl Koorl Djinang / Come Look See:
Construct (2023)
I am interested in how the intentions to both protect the natural environment of Wadjemup, and increase visitor numbers to the island, can be reconciled. With a rickety, fluoro timber structure bolted onto an earthy ceramic base, Construct highlights the potential incongruence of this arrangement. The makeshift construction brings temporary shelters to mind; and the use of beach sand recalls making sandcastles, in response to memories of visiting Wadjemup as a child.
The Wadjemup Seedpod (2023)
The seed embodies the universe's blueprint, encompassing its beginning and end, representing life, growth, and hope. Like plants surviving hostile environments, the Wadjemup island's desire to heal from its traumatic past is depicted through a stainless steel and glass seedpod connected to the ground by a woven umbilical cord. The coloured glass emphasizes the seed's potential, while the combination of modern and natural elements represents the past and present connection with the land. This analogy highlights the island's journey towards healing and growth, overcoming its dark history.
Diving Buoy (2023)
For people of the sea, buoys and their colours represent a determined nautical language but to the everyday person, these beacons are abstract and playful forms, perched across the ocean. Wadjemup is surrounded by these navigational markers. We have anthropomorphised these marine markers to depict a boy diving into the water. We hope this sculpture on land will turn people’s eyes to the abundance of ‘floating sculptures’ that surround the island.
Island (2023)
A Beacon for Lost Spirits  (2023)
Evoke (2023)
Thank you to Stuart Bryce.
Arena Tesserae [Sand Mosaic] (2020)
Artist: Pavel Perina
Anodised aluminium
$2,850
Inspired by the captivating textures and shimmering reflections found in the sand dunes of Wadjemup Island, this sculpture mirrors their essence over tranquil waters. Abstracting these natural wonders into elegantly simple mathematical patterns, it achieves a mesmerizing visual harmony that transcends complexity.
Nudibranch Throne (2022)
Artist: Silvio Apponyi
Granite
Price on application
Nudibranch Throne is inspired by the beauty of tiny nudibranch sea creatures and intended as public seating for children and young at heart adults.
Always Was, Always Will Be (2020)
Artist: James Egan
Repurposed wire
$5,000
Always Was, Always Will Be is a reflection upon the history of the Western Australian coastline, which has provided for Noongar peoples and supported survival. The coastline was also the site of arrival for the British, who then went on to transport Aboriginal peoples from across the state to Wadjemup, to be imprisoned and is also home to the unmarked graves of over 350 Aboriginal men. Wadjemup is a place of great cultural importance for Noongar people, a place where spirits travel after death. The artist asks us to consider the complex history of the island.
Please note this sculpture is located at Heritage Common, near the Wadjemup Museum for Children.
Where to find the Sculptures at Wadjemup
The exhibition is located outside at the Wadjemup Museum, in the Old Mill & Hay Store building.
You’ll find it behind the settlement mall, and an easy walk from the main jetty in Thomson Bay.