Steve Ulula Parker, with great nephew Esra. His call to country is for all of us. By Catherine Watson
THERE’S a recurring motif in Steve Ulula Parker’s new exhibition at Berninneit: a diamond shape. It’s in the surfboards, the skateboards, the bark canoe, the shields and the scar tree.
The diamond is a traditional pattern of the Boonwurrung, his people. He’s been researching his ancestors’ stories and connecting with their traditional patterns through artworks and artefacts held in the Melbourne Museum. While those works are off limits to most people he has access as a Traditional Owner.
Warreeny Ngulu (“Ocean Voice” in the Boonwurrung language) features works from the past two or three years. There are paintings, traditional objects, and songline audio recordings that reflect his ceremonial and contemporary practices. The exhibition opened with a traditional smoking ceremony.
But as always he brings the traditional into the contemporary world. Three intricately painted surfboards – Artifacts, Emu and Jinidibiik – are a model.
“As an artist I’m always looking at objects as potential canvases for artwork. Art can be everywhere. I’m putting these old surfboards back into use.”
But as always he brings the traditional into the contemporary world. Three intricately painted surfboards – Artifacts, Emu and Jinidibiik – are a model.
“As an artist I’m always looking at objects as potential canvases for artwork. Art can be everywhere. I’m putting these old surfboards back into use.”
This is a tactile exhibition, with stuff for kids - and adventurous adults - to touch and do.
Steve says the exhibition invites audiences to engage with the healing nature of Millowl (Phillip Island), exploring themes that resonate deeply with his ancestral roots.
“People need to tune into their own murran marrup (body and spirit). The land has been walked on for thousands of years and the more you connect in a deeper way to Country, the more Country and the Ancestors will show you.
Steve says the exhibition invites audiences to engage with the healing nature of Millowl (Phillip Island), exploring themes that resonate deeply with his ancestral roots.
“People need to tune into their own murran marrup (body and spirit). The land has been walked on for thousands of years and the more you connect in a deeper way to Country, the more Country and the Ancestors will show you.
“I believe our songlines are still here, it’s about bringing them back in this part of Country where they have been lost.”
He says there’s an enduring sadness that nothing of his Boonwurrung heritage is in the fabric of Berninneit itself or in the refurbished Penguin Parade. In the meantime, though, he’s happy to be exhibiting here.
Warreeny Ngulu is on at the Berninneit Gallery until July 21. Open daily Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 5pm, Weekends 10am-4pm.
He says there’s an enduring sadness that nothing of his Boonwurrung heritage is in the fabric of Berninneit itself or in the refurbished Penguin Parade. In the meantime, though, he’s happy to be exhibiting here.
Warreeny Ngulu is on at the Berninneit Gallery until July 21. Open daily Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 5pm, Weekends 10am-4pm.