Jacob Nash

This site-specific video artwork by Jacob Nash, Country II, presents an ever-changing cycle of time and landscape, led by Country.

Here at 477 on Pitt Street, on Gadigal land, the artwork incorporates elements from the Sydney Basin such as water, rain, flowers, dust, leaves, and seed pods. Despite being situated in a bustling urban area, the artwork operates at a different pace, reflecting the natural rhythms of the land. It is designed to exist in harmony with the country, serving as a timekeeper, a source of knowledge, and a caretaker for all of us.

It has been created to be different day to day; sharing the elements from Country to create an ever changing landscape inspired from the Sydney Basin. 

In collaboration and consultation with Matthew Doyle, descendant of the Muruwari people from the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales and who grew up in Southern Sydney on Dharawal land, Matthew has shared his knowledge about Country and the language words used within Country II.

Language words from Eora, the Sydney Basin hold the work together and remind viewers of time of day and place language back into the city landscape.

After dusk, a campfire slowly burns, an ever-present symbol that speaks to gathering, family, food, knowledge and the sharing of culture. It reminds viewers of the many campfires that have burnt here for a millennia and places the symbol of the campfire deep into an urban city landscape.

Commissioned by ISTP, UAP curated and managed the delivery of the digital artwork. The artwork was produced by Belinda Mravicic, filmed by Bonnie Elliott, edited by Lily Davis, and project managed by The Editors. Matthew Doyle provided consultation support to the artist and team.