Whale Songs

Date
2021-2022
Artist/Maker
Frances Belle Parker
UAP
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Object detail

Date
2021-2022
Description
Whales are embedded in Aboriginal culture in many forms including dreamtime stories, and totem animals for various language groups. Sydney features many significant artwork sites depicting whales and the Northern Beaches is an area where whales have long been respected within the Aboriginal history of the coastline.

"Singing in the whales has been a tradition practiced along the east coast of New South Wales involving gifted Aboriginal Elders singing to them, calling them in from the headland. I recall being told about an Aboriginal Aunty who possessed this gift, who would call and sing in these amazing creatures." Frances Belle Parker

The artwork is comprised of cast bronze plaques, installed along the Coast Walk. The stories on the plaques symbolise the 'singing-in' of the whales along the coastline of the Northern Beaches. The night sky is reflected through the mark-making and stars featured, and the coastline is depicted, acknowledging the bloodlines of the traditional owners of the Northern Beaches.
Artist/Maker and Role
Frances Belle Parker - Artist
UAP - Artist
Media
Bronze plaques, sandstone plinths
Accession number
PA0024

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Manly Art Gallery & Museum’s online collection will continue to grow and develop over time. Some items may be lacking details or may not be attributed to their author due to a lack of available documentation and we welcome input from the public. Northern Beaches Council acknowledges the intellectual property and moral rights of the artists, makers and authors. If you would like to discuss permissions and/or any of the information presented, please contact the team at artgallery@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

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