Balarinji was engaged by Frasers Property Australia to design public art installations for Burwood Brickworks in Victoria, the world’s most sustainable shopping centre.
Balarinji worked with local Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung artist, Mandy Nicholson who developed an artwork concept that was deeply embedded to Place and reflected Wurundjeri culture.
The initial brief was an artwork installation for the outer facade, however, midway through the project it was extended to also feature on the ceiling throughout the property. Mandy’s artwork is one of the most commented-on visual aspects of the centre.
The artwork installations are deeply connected to place and Wurundjeri culture. They showcase the six fundamental elements to Wurundjeri Country, on which Burwood Brickworks is located:
- Tharangalk Biik – Forest Country above the clouds where Bunjil (creator) lives;
- Wurru Wurru Biik – Sky Country;
- Murnmut Biik – Wind Country;
- Baanj Biik – Water Country;
- Biik-Dui – On Country where we walk, dance and conduct ceremony; and
- Biik-Ut – Below Country where all life began.
The installations also reference many local landmarks, including Mount Dandenong, the Great Dividing Range, Yarra Valley flatlands and Port Phillip Bay.
The Burwood Brickworks project is a stunning example of how local Aboriginal culture can exist in an urban context and is dynamic and alive.
