For our Country
Australian War MemorialIn 2018 artist Daniel Boyd, a Kudjala/Gangalu/Kuku Yalanji/Waka Waka/Gubbi Gubbi/Wangerriburra/Bandjalung man from North Queensland, and Edition Office Architects were commissioned to design a new sculpture that recognises the military service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For our Country is a sculptural pavilion set behind a ceremonial fire pit within a circle of stones.
Beyond the fire pit is a wall of two-way mirrored glass that reflects the viewer and the Australian War Memorial. This wall is set with thousands of transparent lenses, representing our perception and highlighting our incomplete understanding of time, history, and memory.
Behind the wall is an intimate, contemplative area. This space is described by Boyd as “Blackness - an opaque space where the world we see is not in our own reflection, but the reflection of many”.
The layers of rammed earth remind us of the important spiritual connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with the land.
Reaffirming that “black is beautiful”, the pavilion recognises that Indigenous Australians have and will continue to protect their Country.
- Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/visit/exhibitions/ForOurCountry
