Footprints on Gadigal Nura
The footprints of the past, the footprints of the present and the footprints of the future walk together and connect us to this land, Gadigal Nura at Waterloo Station.
The word Nura refers to Country in The Sydney Language by Jakelin Troy.
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About the artwork
Nicole Monks created a series of three wall-mounted sculptures at Waterloo Station to celebrate the Gadigal people, the traditional owners of this land, and the Aboriginal community who live, work, and visit the Redfern-Waterloo area.
A lenticular wall, at street entrance embodies the artwork title, Footprints on Gadigal Nura.
A monumental sculptural map, adjacent to the escalators made of over 100 individual cast aluminium feet shows locally significant sites, along what is now named Botany Road. With hints of stars, symbolism, mark making, and cells, the work, references the barani map, and connects viewers to the skies and universe and Aboriginal philosophes of interconnectedness.
The third sculpture, mounted in the concourse, is a perforated mesh panel work depicting a portrait of a young Aboriginal boy, Roscoe, standing proud, happy, and welcoming.
The three sculptures sequentially embody, the Elders as the grounding foundation, the community as our connection and strength, and the youth as future leaders. Three corresponding collaborative workshops run by Nicole directly involved community members.
The writing on the lenticular wall was developed in collaboration with Uncle Charles Madden and Aunty Joanne Timbery.
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The footprint sculptures were modelled from actual feet of community members. Special thanks to Aboriginal Community Workshop participants: for footprints Jarad, Taleena, Eli, Pamela, Melisha, Nikita, Donna, Kenisha, Kiarna, Tanya, Alkira, Mervyn, Gail, Isarika, Gregory, Yarra, Latai, Taiahmi, Amiera, Makeedi, Nyurah, Tracey, Noah, Albert, Yileen, Maudie, Jo-Anna, Nattai, Dawn, Natalie, Joanne, Isaac, Ann, Lottie, Marlon, Kim, Tshinta, Thene, Tarhnay, Isaiah, Peta-Joy, Skyanne, Jason, Cynthia and Coby.
The portrait of the boy, Roscoe, was selected from many taken by Wayne Quilliam during a session with the youthful Brolga dance in collaboration with Jodie Choolburra-Welsh. Special thanks to the Brolga Dance Academy photoshoot participants: Roscoe, Liara, Taneisha, Jack, Zaharlia, Madison, Allira, Aasha, Bobby, Mirii, Tyra, Wirrindah, Blossom and Diamond.
Artist Statement
For this place ‘Waterloo Station’ to have a resonance with the local and wider community, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, the Gadigal people and local Aboriginal people of this place need a voice within the work. Though consultation, workshops, and engagement that I see the ability for this to be an inclusive yet highly contemporary work. A representation of the community’s voice, with particular emphasis on the Elders as the foundation, and the youth as our future leaders.
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Waterloo Station is situated on the unceded land of the Gadigal. The Gadigal have walked Country since time immemorial – their footprints leave their mark today and will into the future. The Gadigal have left their footprints on the earth along Waterloo Station’s very road, Botany Road. Botany Road was established as a thoroughfare by First Nations and remains a major thoroughfare connecting us across time, space, place, and humanity.
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Artist Biography
Nicole Monks is a multi-disciplinary creative of Yamaji Wajarri, Dutch and English heritage living and working on Worimi and Awabakal Country (Newcastle). Monks’ practice is informed by her cross-cultural identity, using storytelling to connect the past with the present and future. Her works take a conceptual approach that are embedded with narratives and aim to promote conversation and connection.
An award-winning designer and artist, Monks crosses disciplines to work with furniture and objects, textiles, video, installation, and performance.
Across these varied forms of contemporary art and design, her work reflects Aboriginal philosophies of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.
Monks is well known for her success as a solo and collaborative artist and founder of design practice blackandwhite creative as well as public art company mili mili.
This connection of Footprints on Gadigal Nura forms the cornerstone of the conceptual rationale for this public artwork, while drawing lines to the wider use of the site as a modern thoroughfare and transport hub servicing New South Wales. This artwork is also embedded in broader Aboriginal values and ways of life. Creating connections and community as foundation principals.
There are layers of footprints on this land. The Gadigal placed the first steps of man on this land and the first walking tracks. Today, this artwork will embed Waterloo Station within this very story. An opportunity to show our significant efforts in rebalancing and telling our combined history.