Embark on an enchanting journey through Subi East as the Noongar Six Season Markers come to life. Follow the winding Bidi Trail to encounter each of these magnificent sculptures, crafted by talented Noongar artists, each employing unique techniques and materials to embody the essence of the six seasons.
Kamsani Bin Salleh’s latest sculpture is a beautiful homage to the wardung (crow), symbolising Makuru, the coldest and wettest time of the year in the South West. Makuru (June-July) is traditionally a time when Noongar people move inland from the coast to stay warm by the karl/kaarla (fire) as the cold winds bring rains and occasional snow to the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges.
The bird’s body in the sculpture represents the hand signing used by Noongar people and beyond the southwest of Western Australia. Through this piece, Kam aims to draw connections between the intelligence and adaptability of ravens and the resilience of Noongar language, culture, people, and storytelling.
The Creative Journey
Kamsani’s creative process began with observing the curious wardung outside his studio window, sketching their various movements. With the help of mentors, he transformed these 2D drawings into 3D forms using clay over an armature – a framework providing the necessary support for the sculpture.
This project introduced Kam to 3D modelling, and he explored using wax, clay, and plasticine, eventually experimenting with plaster casting. The result, Makuru, is a complex figurative form in three parts, sitting atop a simple plinth and seat. These forms are both bird and hand, creating a unique visual experience.
The plinth and seat not only raise the artwork to a suitable height and eliminate safety hazards but also facilitate a dual encounter with the sculpture. As viewers sit between the bird’s body and head, they experience a unique interaction with the piece.
Cast in aluminium, the sculpture features incised patterns to evoke the texture of bird feathers, enhancing its tactile and visual appeal.
Meet the Artist – Kamsani Bin Salleh
Kamsani Bin Salleh, also known as @kambarni, is of Ballardong Noongar and Nimunburr/Yawuru descent from the Kimberley region in Western Australia. A Communication and Media Studies major, Kam is a multidisciplinary artist reflecting the natural world and evolving traditional customs in his work. His diverse style ranges from intricate designs to bold line work, and his murals, projection works, and public artworks are spread across the State.
Kam’s art is a fusion of intricate designs and graphic interpretations of Australian histories, both pre-colonial and post-colonial. He uses his art as a platform to share knowledge and educate others about Aboriginal culture, emphasising cultural preservation and expression, and challenging the notion that culture is static.
The drive behind Kam’s art
Kamsani often explores and subverts negative representations of First Nations Peoples within mass media. Recognising the importance of cultural visibility, he has ventured into Public Art to preserve oral histories. Through murals, activated spaces, and fabricated sculptures, Kam encourages inter-generational storytelling, fostering a strong sense of community and collective identity.
Humour is a significant element in Kam’s work, used to express themes from his experiences. Comedy allows him to satirise, parody, and ultimately educate the community.
The Subi East Bidi Markers project marks Kamsani’s debut in cast sculpture, showcasing his ability to blend traditional themes with contemporary artistic practices.
Check out the stunning sculpture and connect with Kamsani’s work to experience the rich tapestry of Noongar culture and storytelling.
Photo: Frances Andrijich