Just So Stories

Darren Charlwood, a Wiradjuri artist, unveiled his breath-taking sculpture at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to kick-start #NAIDOCWeek. The artwork was welcomed by a First Nations Elder and traditional smoking ceremony. It tells the story of Sydney and embodies a Welcome to Country on Gadigal land.

The sculpture is titled Yer’ung – Spirit Tree and made using natural materials found on Gadigal land, recognising the deep cultural significance of the site to First Nations people.

In his design, Charlwood was inspired by land, saltwater and sky, taking over 120 hours to carve the staggering 2.3 metre high column from Blackbutt wood (Eucalyptus pilulari).

The white lines trace a bird’s eye view of the harbour, while the lower part incorporates Gadigal design elements directed by Traditional Gadigal Custodian and Elder Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grosvenor, including the Gadigal salt-water ancestor, Gurawal (The Whale).

Experience this celebration of the land at the Garden’s entrance. Don’t miss our free #FirstNations tours and school holiday programs this NAIDOC Week: https://bit.ly/3L863zp

#BotanicSydney#FirstNationsArt#BlakLoudProud