Treahna Hamm & Koorrin Edwards

Dr Treahna Hamm is a Yorta-Yorta artist, and Koorrin Edwards is a proud Indigenous artist of Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, and Bunurong descent. Both artists are committed to reviving traditional cultural practices through their artwork. Dr Hamm creates many different kinds of pieces, from possum skin cloaks to sculptures, while Edwards' artwork depicts First Nations peoples' essence by telling their songlines and Dreamtime stories through visual art.

'Bunurong Ballart' is a 2m tall bronze artwork resembling a woven basket. It symbolises the carrying and gathering of the cherry ballart fruit as well as knowledge and wisdom from today into the future. The artwork fosters belonging for the residents, connects them to their shared home in Bunurong Country, and reflects the aboriginal values of the interconnectivity of all living beings, intertwining past, present, and future in place and people.

UAP was tasked with bringing the artwork to the Albert Park Precinct. The artwork needed to speak to the support networks fostered within the community, a sense of belonging for the residents, and give a sense of renewal, regeneration, rehabilitation, longevity, and sustainability. UAP collaborated with Vicki and the artists to ensure that conceptual thinking and development were translated into permanent artwork for the public realm. The fabrication involved material investigations and form explorations to create a unified artwork. The sculpture now reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples while infusing a deep-felt emotional response and sense of belonging for its viewers.