Breathe

The design challenge was creating the first-ever Aboriginal Survival Memorial. Commissioned by The Inner West Council it marks a pivotal moment in the cultural narrative of this country by amplifying First Nation voices. The artwork serves as poignant reminder of resilience, resistance, and cultural endurance and is a living testament to the ongoing journey of survival and revival, enriching the area’s cultural landscape, offering spaces for dialogue, reflection, and mutual understanding. This memorial is not static; they are dynamic expressions of identity, belonging, and hope, beckoning all to listen, learn, and grow together.

The design solution for ’Breathe’ represents more than a static memorial; it’s an immersive journey of survival and healing. It intertwines two pathways, symbolizing our collective journey held by Country. This approach to memorialization transcends traditional forms, inviting people to actively engage and physically experience its narrative. ’Breathe’ embodies resilience and cultural endurance, offering a dynamic space for reflection and connection. As visitors traverse its pathways, they become part of the unfolding story, experiencing firsthand the significance of place and heritage. Through its interactive design, ’Breathe’ becomes a living testament to the ongoing journey of survival and revival.

This project represents a significant shift in the nation’s narrative, emphasizing truth-telling, healing, and the honoring of Indigenous heritage. The place-making artwork serves as a pivotal space, uniting First Nations and broader communities. The concept was designed with Country at its center, positioning Aboriginal experiences and deep knowledge of place at the heart of the project. Environmentally, the project repurposes discarded sandstone from a local depot, honoring and connecting to Country. This Indigenous-led design integrates Indigenous experiences and local knowledge. Community engagement ensures cultural integrity and ongoing connection.

The concept of ”Breathe,” was to have engraved and carefully placed sandstone rocks serve as portals to ancient stories, emerging from the earth in intricate patterns, inviting individual journeys. It’s an interactive work, traversed and gathered upon, where people express culture and share stories, fostering healing and truth-telling. The varied spaces celebrate the unique and indirect healing journey, guided by Community and Country. Country is honored in the project, encouraging participants to pause, touch, and reflect, connecting with the earth and drawing strength from their heritage. The artwork celebrates survival and resilience, spotlighting Country and Community as enduring, living elements. It actively promotes healing through engagement. For mili mili, ”Breathe” was initially designed with mentorship and Knowledge-sharing. Nicole Monks mentored Maddison Gibbs, reflecting foundational First Nations principles. Community involvement was central, with workshops for symbolic carvings and selecting their locations on site during construction. Handprints of participants and community members were traced and carved onto the central boulder. Aboriginal students received a behind-the-scenes look at creating public art and spaces. Community engagement and co-creation in the design provide visible connections to place.