Artwork Story
“Roots of Reconciliation: Cultivating Everyday Change is an evocative piece that explores the ongoing journey towards reconciliation, aiming to extend beyond mere acknowledgments to actively foster everyday change and understanding.
This artwork is inspired by the three main themes of Reconciliation Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan Framework: Relationships, Respect, and Opportunities. Each theme is represented by a Scribbly Gum tree, whose roots signify that reconciliation is to be deeply embedded into policies and practices, ensuring it is not just a symbolic gesture but a fundamental aspect of Finance’s framework.
Governance plays a crucial role in the journey towards reconciliation, as it involves making decisions and guiding everyone to change. The ‘U’ shapes set around the meeting places represent First Nations Peoples and non-Indigenous people, emphasizing the importance of the First Nations community being involved in these conversations.
The journey line between the governance meetings is winding, signifying the shared responsibility and collective efforts required to heal and move forward together. The journey of reconciliation is not linear; it is a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and growth.
Tracks of the kangaroo and emu, chosen for their inability to move backwards, symbolize progress and forward movement. Each step taken, no matter how small, is a step towards reconciliation.
Roots of Reconciliation: Cultivating Everyday Change is a call to action. It is a reminder that reconciliation is not just a moment in time but a sustained effort that requires dedication, understanding, and the willingness to cultivate change in our daily interactions and choices.
Through this artwork, I hope to inspire viewers to reflect on their own roles in this journey, both professionally and personally.”
Madison Walker
Artist
