Student sculptures inspired by Indigenous artist

Students with their camp dogs sculptures

Terrigal High School has unveiled a new addition to its yarning circle in honour of National Reconciliation Week.

During Term 1 Year 10 Visual Arts students studied Indigenous artist, Lena Yarinkura.

Yarinkura is renowned for her ambitious and highly distinctive pandanus and paperbark fibre sculptures.

She was also a pioneer for Indigenous artists creating works not linked to custodial stories and was one of the first Arnhem Land women to work with fibre in a sculptural way.

Inspired by her work, students created their own ‘camp dogs’ sculptures which were installed at the yarning circle this week.

Camp dog is a term used to describe the groups of dogs found in Indigenous communities around the country.

Camp dogs come in all shapes and sizes, as well as breeds, condition and temperament, and students reflected that in their sculptures.

They also represent camaraderie and community which is reflective of the theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week – In this together – something that has taken on an even greater meaning amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Source:
Website, May 26
Tania Turik, Terrigal High School
Reporter: Dilon Luke