June 29th, 2020Rex artwork

MASTER weaver Aunty Marilyne Nicholls (Dja Dja Wurrung/ Yorta Yorta/Baraba Baraba/Wadi Wadi/Jupagulk), in collaboration with Canberra Glassworks, has been selected to complete a major permanent public art commission in the Hepburn Shire.

The cost of the commission is $30,000.

Council accepted the recommendation from its Public Art Advisory Committee to commission Aunty Marilyne and Canberra Glassworks’ combination of two hand-woven and three glass-blown fish traps to be installed at the Hepburn Hub at The Rex building in Daylesford.

“The techniques used by Aunty Marilyne in her weaving enhances the characteristics of the natural reed fibres. Aunty Marilyne produces woven art from that trace, through the weaving itself, understanding of place, community and identity,” a council spokesperson said.

“Canberra Glassworks will create an interpretation of Aunty Marilyne’s traditional fish traps using blown glass as the medium. Produced from moulds of the fibre traps, the artwork will have rich texture that will mimic the weave of dried reeds.

“The commission connects contemporary art and design practice with traditional Dja Dja Wurrung culture and way of life. Council is thrilled to commission this significant artwork as part of the shire’s recognition of the traditional owners in the new civic space.”

There are already two artworks in The Rex, painted on the walls, by artist David Bromley.