Birak, spanning December and January, marks the first summer of the six seasons in the Noongar calendar. As the rain eases and warm weather takes hold, the afternoons are cooled by south-westerly sea breezes. This season is characterised by a near clockwork pattern of easterly winds in the morning and sea breezes in the afternoon.
The Artistic Journey
Creating a marker for Birak was a journey for Rubeun Yorkshire, deeply connecting with the elements boodjar (earth), mar (wind), kep (water), and karla (fire). Each element holds a significant place within every season. Rubeun’s sculpture is a representation of the land, drawing inspiration from contour maps, slightly tilted to suggest the flow of wind, and positioned to face the culturally significant site of Galup (Lake Monger).
Embracing Boodjar’s Gifts
Rubeun celebrates the love and respect for boodjar (mother earth), emphasising that she will provide rich sources of food, water, and shelter as long as cultural practices are continued. His work is about observing and listening to boodjar, showcasing the power and beauty it holds.
The Creative Process
Rubeun’s dynamic sculpture evokes water, land, and topography. His creative process began with sketches and experimentation using various materials such as paper, card, and wire. Through this exploration, he discovered a form that resonated with him and continued to develop it through casting techniques during a workshop at Big Spoon Studio.
Back at the Old Girls School, Rubeun refined his ideas by creating sculptural maquettes. The final artwork required a bold material suitable for the sculpture’s expansive and cantilevered elements. He chose 5mm plate Redcor (Corten) weathering steel, with its intentionally rusted, raw surface accented by shimmering silver weld dots contrasting against the matte background.
About the Artist
Rubeun Yorkshire is a Noongar, Yamatji, and Wangkatha man, renowned as a visual artist, dancer, stage combat choreographer, and actor. He is well-known for his performance as Banquo in the award-winning production of Hecate – a re-imagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the endangered Noongar language of southwestern Australia.
Rubeun was a key collaborator on Boomerang and Spear’s Noongar Wonderland, presented at the 2022 Perth Festival. He co-choreographed a series of dances for a new collection of Noongar-language dance tracks by Maatakitj (Clint Bracknell) and ARIA award-winning Australian music icon Paul Mac.
Since graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2010, Rubeun has explored his cultural connections through performance and visual arts. He shares his knowledge with the community and Noongar youth through his mentoring role at Balga High School.
Rubeun has assisted his grandfather Warren Yorkshire on public art commissions and painted several murals around the state. His public artworks for corporate, major festivals and educational institutions include a 40-meter mural at Port Headland High School in collaboration with local Kariyarra/Pilbara artists.
Collaborative Artistry
Rubeun’s public art ethos emphasises consulting with the local community and creating site-specific works. Much of his public artwork has been in collaboration with his long-time friend and mentor Matthew McVeigh. Together, they have been shortlisted for and awarded numerous public art projects.
Rubeun continues to work on various projects that involve liaising with his Elders and extending his artistic processes. He particularly enjoyed assisting Uncle Toogar Morrison with mosaic work and seeing him engage with the community
A Tribute to Birak
Rubeun’s sculpture, Birak, is a testament to his commitment to cultural practices and his deep connection with boodjar, celebrating the natural cycles and elements that define this significant season.