The opportunity for this program emerged after I proposed an engagement program and creative initiative for the Arnhem Land Progress Association (ALPA) in Nhulunbuy. The project involved repurposing waste aluminum into sculptural art and the creation of a high end interior line.
I was tasked with designing, facilitating and reporting on an initial two-week program for a group of 18 Yolŋu participants. The goal was to learn the origins of aluminum from bauxite, learn the lost wax casting technique, adhere to safety protocols, and explore creativity to decipher if it is a stream of income for ALPA participants.
In 2022, myself, a contracted assistant and the ALPA team successfully executed the inaugural pilot of the casting and metalwork program with recycled aluminum. We encountered challenges related to cultural and language sensitivities, which required patience and careful navigation. For myself, it was essential to communicate and advocate for the technical process of lost-wax casting and not for stylistic guidance. My support is foundational for any safety queries of limitations of the process or material.
The program has evolved through three iterations, with the latest in late 2023. The participants landed on termite mound castings as a unique creation representative of their country. In the most recent iteration, participants led OH&S and the technical process with close supervision of myself and my assistant. In the last visit we also established a gallery shop, envisioned to sell aluminum castings of termite mounds as a high-end interior art line through various ecommerce channels. The coordinating and curating the space was a collaborative process. You can view 360-degree virtual tour accessible here: 360 Walkthrough
Our ongoing efforts will involve further iterations, leading up to an official opening of the commercial space in 2024 and an exhibition titled 'Bukuway' featuring Yolŋu work from the program is scheduled at Darwin Visual Arts. ALPA has responded to the success of this project by hiring an Ecommerce Manager to market and sell this unique line of termite mound castings online. This project will continue to develop in coming with the building of the metal casting facilities on site for the Yolŋu community.
Images top to bottom:
Yolŋu and Gunyangara community
Cast Termite Mound
Recycled Aluminium
2023
Quincy Yarrngu
Goanna protecting nest
Recycled Aluminium
2022
Moyamuya Mununggurr
RestingRoo
Recycled Aluminium
2023
Metal Pour led by Jacob in the ALPA Men’s Shed
2023
Wax working
2023