This winter, as The Royal Botanic Gardens transforms into a wonderland of light and sound with Lightscape Melbourne, The Torch is proud to be a part of the magic! From June 14th to August 4th, wander the illuminated trail and immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience alongside the dazzling light displays.
Nestled beside the shimmering Ornamental Lake, you’ll discover On Country, a special installation showcasing the works of eight talented First Nations artists from The Torch. The installation rests on the banks of the Ornamental Lake – a body of water that originally formed part of the Birrarung (Yarra). Great gatherings would take place along the banks of the Birrarung called Tanderrum, a great celebration of the Eastern/Central Gulinj (Kulin) of the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri), Dja Dja Wurrung, Boon Wurrung, Taungurung and Wadawurrung.
“This painting is titled Mob Colours. It is my depiction of our land separated by waterholes creating a border between Mobs. Each colour is chosen to represent a different Mob and its territory.”
– K.J, Yorta Yorta people
The On Country installation features a selection of powerful artworks, listed below.
- Always (Wiradjuri people), Three Percent, 2022, acrylic on canvas.
- K.J (Yorta Yorta people), Mob Colours #2, 2023, acrylic on canvas.
- Andrew M (Yorta Yorta people), Earth Dreaming, 2022, acrylic on canvas.
- A.Heffernan (Gunditjmara people), Two Strong Kangaroos on a Journey, 2023, acrylic on canvas.
- Ede (Warumungu people), Pallanganmiddang Country, 2023, acrylic on canvas.
- Flick Chafer-Smith (Ngarrindjeri people), Life Lines, 2021, acrylic on canvas.
- Alfred Carter (Gunaikurnai people), Trading, 2019, acrylic on canvas.
- Robby Wirramanda (Wergaia/Wotjobaluk peoples), Walpa Winaka (To Burn & Leave) #4, 2021, acrylic on canvas.
- Robby Wirramanda (Wergaia/Wotjobaluk peoples),‘Lake Direl, Grandfather’s Country #5’ 2021, acrylic on canvas.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Lightscape Melbourne alongside the cultural richness of “On Country.” Tickets are available now, so head to the Lightscape website to plan your visit. Help shine a light on the stories of First Nations Australians.