Bespoke seating for Stephenson Avenue
Local Nyoongar artist Peter Farmer worked with fellow artist/designer Jason Hirst to create a series of four bespoke seats for the new Stephenson Avenue extension. Titled ‘Noongar Biddis Kaarl Keip’, they depict important aspects of Nyoongar culture.
Nyoongar people used Kaarl (fire) throughout this part of the land for firestick farming. The plants on this continent needed heat to germinate. The mosaic pattern resulting from this burning made Biddis (tracks), pathways and highways, which helped people access important resources on Boodja (land/Country), and also carry out important journeys of caring for that Country. Keip (water) was and still is the most important resource for peoples’ survival. The great lakes of Nyoongar Boodja (land/Country) were an important part of caring for Country and maintaining larger resource staples and stores throughout each season, responsibilities that Nyoongar people shared. With these four artworks we recreate a place of rest, and a space to contemplate what is behind and ahead on the journey to your desired destination.
Image: Peter Farmer and Jason Hirst with Keip (water)