Spirit Tree

A visual celebration of the scarred trees of Bundoora

9 - 17 July 2009

Curated by Sharon West and Aunty Bunta Patten

Welcome to country and opening by Uncle Herb Patten

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Gum trees are like our church. The spirit of the tree is around all us as a reminder to our people of the importance of their place in our lives. They gave our culture mias mias, canoes, shields and medicine. It is wonderful talking about these trees as they were used by woman to give birth, to mark our tribal boundaries and they provide shelter and food for the birds and insects.

Aunty Bunta Patten, 2009

This exhibition is inspired by the heritage-listed scarred trees of the Bundoora West campus. Representing a cross-cultural project, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists explore notions of the physical and spiritual attributes of the tree. These include metaphysical constructions that acknowledge the importance of the tree in Koori culture, as Aunty Bunta Patten suggests in her opening remarks.

A variety of mix-media applications have been employed including gumleaf and bark supports complemented by traditional and introduced paint mediums such as ochres and acrylics. Many of the Indigenous artists, including Elders, have re–worked the concept of gumleaf and bark art which were also part of Australian settler folkloric tradition, while Indigenous culture used the gum leaf for music, as practiced by Indigenous Arts Unit artist in residence, Uncle Herb Patten. This exhibition also forms part of the ongoing RMIT University Keelbundoora Scarred Tree and Heritage Trail Project, supported by the Friends of the Bundoora Red Gums and the City of Whittlesea. This trail features carved and embellished poles created by the Visual Arts and Land Management students. Spirit Tree: A visual celebration of the scarred trees of Bundoora includes documentary material from this project.

Sharon West, 2009

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