Empty Arms

Yvonne Koolmatrie and Karl Meyer in association with Exhibition Studios

The Place of Reflection is dedicated to members of the Stolen Generations, created by renowned Ngarrindjeri weaver Aunty Yvonne Koolmatrie, in collaboration with Karl Meyer and Exhibition Studios. The focal point of the memorial is a life-size mother figure, her empty arms and bowed head suggesting the child that is no longer there. A Coolamon installed on a black granite boulder in the centre of the installation offers a place to perform cultural smoking and ceremonial activities.

The artwork offers a space in the city at Rymill Park/Murlawirrapurka to reflect and connect, a place for acknowledgement, truth telling and a place of healing. The surrounding landscaping and lighting highlights connection to the natural world and cultural lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“She has no eyes, she has no ears and she has no mouth. She had seen it all, she had heard it all and what was the use of speaking. It had already happened.” Aunty Yvonne Koolmatrie”

This project was jointly funded by City of Adelaide and the South Australian Government.

Rymill Park

Year Produced

2023

Materials

Bronze, sandstone, steel, cement and natural elements

Categories
Sculpture, Integrated Art

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