Grounded - Proposed Indigenous truth-telling sculpture
Moyne Shire Council invites the community to provide feedback on Grounded, a proposed Indigenous truth-telling sculpture for Port Fairy.
Created by local Eastern Maar artist Sherry Johnstone, Grounded depicts an Aboriginal woman standing strong in Country, with journey lines symbolising resilience, growth and enduring cultural connection. The sculpture draws on Eastern Maar Elders’ stories of Aboriginal women taken from Port Fairy via the Moyne River by whalers and sealers.
The concept design anticipates the artwork to be in the order of four metres high, constructed from strong, weather-resistant steel suitable for coastal conditions. The sculpture will be a powerful and enduring landmark.
If supported by the community, Council’ will work with the artist and Traditional Owners to progress the design and seek external funding to make the project a reality.
Purpose of the Sculpture
Grounded is intended to be a powerful cultural marker for Moyne Shire - a place for truth-telling, remembrance and recognition.
Through this work, Council and Traditional Owners hope to foster respect, dialogue and connection, while creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
Location
The artist and Traditional Owners have chosen East Beach as their preferred location for Grounded because of its cultural significance, and direct link to the truth-telling story behind the artwork, and the artist’s relationship with Country.
Alignment with East Beach Masterplan
Grounded aligns with Stage 2 of the East Beach Masterplan, which was endorsed by the Council and includes provision for a piece of public art at East Beach.
