Oyster Shells - Middens

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

Date
2021-2022
Description
Middens along the coast are places where Aboriginal people gathered to eat and would leave the remains of shellfish. They are synonymous with Aboriginal people, considered culturally significant proof of the people’s use of the land as a meeting place. There are a number of identified middens in the Northern Beaches area, protected and revered.

"My oyster shell concept pays tribute to these midden sites as I, like my ancestors, hold family and community gatherings in such high regard. Many are still centred round feasts – a time where we can gather to yarn, to share, heal, reminisce, or celebrate. These gatherings focus on connection, being one, being together. My aim is to create a space amongst the vastness of the Coast Walk that brings people together, unites them, encourages communication and enhance a sense of community. A place where people can stop and catch their breath. My concept involves a number of cast aluminium oyster shells. The shells are arranged in a cluster to capture that moment in time of a feast, a gathering." - Frances Belle Parker.

The location at Narrabeen Lagoon was identified during engagement with local Aboriginal communities.

Some oysters have graphics containing symbolic imagery representing bloodlines, coastal formations, the landscape, and other sea creatures. Some of these images incorporate the work of Jessica Birk, a passionate local Aboriginal artist and conservationist who has now passed on. Around the outside and inside edges of the oysters, patterns made to create the anatomy of the shellfish become symbols of the layers within a midden.

Visitors to this site are able to touch and enjoy the designs in the interior – a reminder there is always more to explore beneath the surface of people, country, and cultural sites.
Artist/Maker and Role
Frances Belle Parker - Artist
UAP - Artist
Media
Cast aluminium, concrete footings
Accession number
PA0026

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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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