by Claudia San Miguel
Our series of stories, Know Your Park Lands Art, guides you through various creative displays within your Open Green Public Adelaide Park Lands.
Located in Whitmore Square / Iparrityi, is this unique crescent shaped sculpture, “Voyagers” by Shaun Kirby and Thylacine Art Projects.
Marjon Martin (centre) introducing “Voyagers” on an APA Guided Walk in Whitmore Square / Iparrityi
The Voyagers sculpture is near the western side of the Square.
It celebrates the Afghan Islamic heritage which played a crucial role in Australia’s history, commemorating cameleers who travelled to South Australia from Afghanistan and areas of northwest India. These cameleers assisted in the early exploration of Australia with camels playing an important role in navigating the harsh desert terrain - a role not suited for horses.
The sculpture was produced in 2007 with a design comprised of a crescent shape made from tile, reflecting the moon that represents Islamic culture and its religion as well as the sand dunes of Australia.
On the back of the sculpture are wind ripples reminiscent of wind-blown sand patterns found on sand dunes. This distinctive feature was created in collaboration with Adelaide’s Jam Factory craft and design organisation.
At the front of the artwork lies a laser-cut red/brown toned steel mimicking the same crescent moon shape, displaying traditional Islamic patterning.
In the evening the space between the sculpture and the steel foreground occupies yellow toned lights that further highlight and emphasise the Islamic patterns.
“Voyagers” at dusk. Pic: experienceadelaide.com.au
Voyagers visual imagery and its enhancement through the lighting transforms the artwork, amplifying its intricate details even further, offering a deeper and more interactive experience, enriching the engagement of those who view it.
With such importance placed on the traditional Islamic patterning and the cameleers who played a significant role in establishing Islam in Australia you feel the weight of its history.
Centred to the front of the display is a short marble obelisk displaying the names of the destinations Afghan cameleers travelled to and from within Australia. These names are written in both English and Arabic script.
About the Artist:
Shaun Kirby (1958- ) is a practising artist with decades of experience, during which he has exhibited nationally and internationally with his work represented in public and private collections across Australia and Europe.
Shaun Kirby migrated with his parents to Adelaide in the mid-1960s. Photo: Thylacine.
Kirby has played a significant role in Australian design company Thylacine and its public art projects, lending his expertise in the design and coordination of public art projects, such as Voyagers and “Talking Our Way Home” on the River Torrens/Karrawirra Pari.
Prior to his work at Thylacine, Kirby worked as an educator in institutions including the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, the South Australian School of Art and the University of South Australia.
Kirby’s creative skills and ability to bring ideas to light in such unique and thought-provoking ways has been integral in his success as an artist.
For more articles in our ‘Know Your Park Lands Art’ series, head here: https://www.adelaide-parklands.asn.au/know-your-park-lands-art
