University of Tasmania / Carpet Commission

A series of seven bespoke carpets designed in response to Country and waterways surrounding the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk Library. The carpets feature across all three levels of the new building designed by John Wardle Architects. The commission was facilitated by Arts Tasmania and funded through the University of Tasmania’s ‘Art in New Buildings’ initiative.

Commenced: February 2021
Completed: July 2022

Images by Kelly Slater for the University of Tasmania.

Wetlands I & II, Level One

Wetlands represent the reeds and wetlands that surround the local area, in particular those attached to the kanamaluka. These wetlands sustain life and provide needed resources which are used to weave our cultural baskets.

Our Old People would travel the kanamaluka in their ninga hunting native wildlife that was abundant. Moving through the reeds, living in harmony with the waterways and country they called home.

muka/Salt Water, Level Two

muka depicts and pays homage to salt water Country. Country our community are familiar with and even more so our women who frequent these waters to harvest food and natural resources. The colour palette is feminine but the lines are strong. Just like our women this design represent strength and beauty.

At the right time, on the right tide, Country gives us what we need and not what we want.

Kanamaluka/Tamar River I, II & III, Level Three

This series reflects the changing colours and patterns found along the kanamaluka/Tamar River. The earthy tones are inspired by our natural ochre pigments found throughout the local region.

The free flowing shapes, made by lines represent the winding flow of the kanamaluka and surrounding waterways which provided food and natural resources. The lines are a reference to the reeds and fibres found throughout the kanamaluka, in particular the wetlands in which this design are connected to.

Flats, Level Three

Flats depicts the tidal mud flats found along the banks and mouth of the kanamaluka as the tide comes in and out. This is a familiar sight for our community as it is usually on this low tide that we go out looking for our beautiful Maireeners shells to make kanalaritja/shell necklaces.

The black that runs as stains throughout the design represent the soot that now pollutes this important waterway due to human interference.

Ways of Knowing – Country in Architecture

Following the installation of the carpets, I gave an artist talk on site with guest attending in person and online. I discussed the inspiration behind my works, the art and graphic design intersects, architectural collaborations, and the possibilities for art on campus to shine a light on identity, land, and cultural heritage, through the lens of a Tasmanian Aboriginal man in modern day lutruwita/Tasmania. Following the artist talk, I gave a tour and provided further interpretation of the designs.

Rebecca Jee produced this short video for the University of Tasmania.