Kambarang, which spans October to November, marks the return of hot weather and an abundance of colours and flowers.
Jarni McGuire’s artwork beautifully captures the essence of Kambarang, the Noongar season of birth, through towering bronze forms that evoke the warran yams, traditionally cultivated during this time, and the female form. Kambarang, which spans October to November, marks the return of hot weather and an abundance of colours and flowers.
The inspiration behind the art
“Kambarang, being the season of birth, evokes my maternalism. My artwork reflects my experience as a woman and a mother and how my body has changed over time.” – Jarni McGuire
Jarni’s sculptures delve into the maternal world, highlighting themes of women, motherhood, nurturing, providing, and pregnancy. Her creative journey began with sketching and then creating wax forms inspired by the shape of the murnong (warran yam). However, these initial forms didn’t quite capture the essence she sought.
Through continued exploration, Jarni experimented with wax, clay, and plasticine, eventually settling on five vertical elements that symbolised both the murnong and the fleshy female form. She refined these down to three vertical forms and experimented with casting in pewter to investigate their surface texture.
Crafting the sculpture
The final artwork consists of three individual pieces cast in silicon bronze, combining raw cast and polished bronze with a gradient from raw at the bottom to polished at the top. This transition in surface texture aligns with the concept of soil-coated raw yams and the undulations of flesh.
Cultural roots and community
Born and raised in Noongar country, Jarni is a proud Whadjuk, Ballardong, and Yuat woman living in Boorloo (Perth). Her inspiration is deeply rooted in her culture, language, and the stories of her Elders.
“I believe a lot can be learned from many art forms, and I love sharing my culture my way. Each project is done with proper consultation to ensure the work I produce is authentic and something my community can be proud of. I love bringing our traditional stories and art into the modern landscape,” says Jarni.
As an artist, Jarni is particularly passionate about projects that highlight the significance of the Noongar six seasons, which dictate community movement, diet, and lifestyle. This connection to Boodja (land) is central to Noongar culture.
Commitment to culture and community
Jarni emphasises the importance of cultural appropriateness and community pride in her work. She is dedicated to being guided by Elders and learning from them, ensuring her art continues the practice of passing down knowledge and creating a safe space for cultural expression.
“I am committed to my community, especially my Noongar community. I love amplifying and expressing my culture in my way and am keen to continue representing Noongar culture throughout the community.”
Jarni’s sculptures not only represent the season of Kambarang but also serve as a testament to her dedication to her heritage and her community.
