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https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/aug/17/2023-fremantle-biennale-rottnest-island-history-brought-to-light-in-drone-show>
"With its wild, undulating coastline, freewheeling cyclists and lovable,
pint-sized marsupials, the quokka, Rottnest Island – known to Perth locals as
Rotto – has become synonymous with summer holidays.
Lesser known to outsiders is the island’s complex past: more than 30,000 years
of Noongar history and, more recently, the largest Aboriginal deaths in custody
site in Australia.
On Wadjemup, as it’s known in Noongar language, historical remnants speckle the
landscape: ancient coral reefs that formed during the last interglacial period,
the remains of tools used by Noongar people, and empty buildings that once
housed a prison camp for Aboriginal men and boys. As a plaque on the island
states: Kwidja baalap yey (the past is still present).
In November, a group of First Nations artists are broadcasting the story of the
island across the skies with Kooranup: a three-part series of drone light shows
premiering at the Fremantle Biennale, which will also reveal stories behind
Manjaree (Bathers Beach) and Dyoondalup (Attadale Reserve).
Translating to “the place beyond the heavenly shore”, Kooranup will feature a
swarm of 160 drones dancing into formations of wildlife and spirit, exploring
ancient and living stories of Whadjuk Noongar Country.
“In a way, the drones mimic the old style of storytelling,” says Noongar and
Kungarakan artist Ilona McGuire, who produced the work with Dr Cass Lynch,
Yabini Kickett and Tyrown Waigana. “It reflects the boundless magnitude of the
Dreamtime, with these great creative beings moving across a cosmic space.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
