News · 25 November 2024

Ivy Minniecon – 66 Eagle Street

Kambar (White Clay)

As a descendant of the Kuku Yalanji, Kabi Kabi, Gooreng Gooreng, and South Sea Islander Nations, my art practice is deeply rooted in a sense of place, connection, and belonging to Country.

I am Country, and Country is me. I embody Country in every breath, step, and heartbeat-living, breathing, walking existing, healing, resilient, strong, fierce, gentle, whispering, singing, aching, and loving. Regardless of where I reside, I am enveloped by Country, identified by it, and entrusted by it. This entrustment compels me to truth- telling, giving voice to the old people, to my ancestors, allowing them to be seen, heard, felt, recognized, and elevated to their rightful place. Country is my strength as I am Country’s strength. We are connected, bonded, fastened, secured, enveloped, embodied. There is no disconnect.

The site-specific nature of my work is integral to my practice.

66 Eagle Street is not only a location but a source of inspiration. Its history informs the artwork I have developed for the opportunity and speaks to the history and relevance of the site. This connects the past to the present, honoring the old ways while creating contemporary expressions of resilience and connection to Country.

Building: 66 Eagle Street

Client: CBRE

Metro Arts Consulting was engaged by CBRE to enable the commissioning, design, fabrication and delivery of a new artwork temporarily installed within the entrance lobby of 66 Eagle Street.

The artwork by Ivy Minniecon was commissioned to celebrate and acknowledge NAIDOC week 2024.

Kambar (White Clay) was installed and open to public viewing from 8th July through to the 31st July.

Placed within a high traffic environment that commands viewing, the work by First Nations artist Ivy Minniecon is a site specific reaction to the history of the area surrounding Eagle Street.

The Artist – Ivy Minniecon

Guided by the ethos of family and community, QLD based Ivy Minniecon’s artistic trajectory embodies a reverence for storytelling and cultural preservation. As she navigates the liminal space between past and present, Minniecon emerges as an artist and a custodian of tradition, entrusted with the sacred task of safeguarding Indigenous heritage for generations to come. Minniecon incorporates her practice of weaving through many mediums, translating this into printmaking, drawing and painting.

Minniecon’s artistic journey unfolds as a testament to familial bonds, cultural resilience, and the enduring spirit of community. Her work becomes a vessel for healing, reconciliation, and empowerment—a catalyst for personal and collective transformation.

Ivy’s work has recently been seen in Hatched: National Graduate Show 2023, at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, and she was the recipient of the 2022 lain Turnbull Memorial Award, Qld College of Art, for her outstanding engagement with printmaking and print culture.