The land and sea meet the Sky Noise Wall

Southern Noise Wall
Artist: Emma Robertson, 2024.
Title: The land and sea meet the sky

This piece of artwork captures the profound bond that my community shares with the vast ocean and the interconnected waterways, the land that sustains us, and the sky above us.

As the pioneers of scientific knowledge, my people have always strived to maintain sustainability in our practices, displaying utmost care, and observing and learning from the natural world around us.

I have explored the captivating theme of "Where the freshwater meets the sea," which encompasses the serene homelands of our majestic Black Swans in the Derwent Estuary.

These estuaries are not only some of the most fertile ecosystems in the world, but they are also among the most fragile.

Aboriginal people learned to gather swan eggs, taking only what they needed and ensuring that enough eggs were left behind to guarantee the perpetuation of the swan's breeding and lifecycle for future generations to enjoy.

It is the Sky Country that is depicted with the use of star maps and planetary placements for the year 1830, before any works were undertaken on the causeway and bridge which now connect the two sides of the river, prior to the building of the causeway and bridge. The Sky Country is a place of immense mystery, power and creation.

It is a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, and it is a reminder of the strength and courage of the Aboriginal people. It is a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving the land and its traditions.