Matthew McVeigh & Rohin Kickett

Custodian, a striking new public artwork by artists Matthew McVeigh and Rohin Kickett, now graces Murdoch Square in Perth, Western Australia. This symbolic sculpture pays tribute to the cultural and therapeutic significance of hands in Noongar tradition, embodying themes of connection, healing, and stewardship.

Matthew McVeigh, an interdisciplinary artist, brings a rich creative background to the project. McVeigh’s career spans theatre, public art, and community initiatives, including work with at-risk youth, correctional facilities, and remote communities. His art delves into societal narratives of identity and history, using bold and nuanced methods across various materials and technologies.

Rohin Kickett, a Ballardong Nyoongar artist with ties to Whadjuk Country, draws deep inspiration from his Noongar heritage and personal experiences. Born in Northam in 1986, Kickett left school at 16 to become a boilermaker welder and later moved into project management. His artwork reflects a profound sense of identity and a commitment to truth-telling, honouring his roots and sharing his cultural perspective.

Custodian takes the form of hands, modelled after respected elder Aunty Francine Kickett’s. The sculpture stands nearly 2 meters tall and is positioned around a tree, symbolizing nurturing care and the interconnectedness of community and nature. Every detail—down to the etched lines on the palms—speaks to themes of resilience, wisdom, and the passing of knowledge across generations. Its placement within the natural landscape celebrates life and the enduring strength of matrilineal bonds. Through this visual language, Custodian invites reflection on the importance of preserving both land and heritage.

UAP worked closely with McVeigh and Kickett, transforming a physical model and 3D digital scans into precise construction drawings. After a thorough material sampling process and final approval from the artists, the Brisbane workshop team took on the intricate fabrication process, which included pattern making, sand casting, and detailed finishing work. Custodian is a powerful symbol of Noongar culture, respect for community, and an enduring legacy of stewardship across generations.