Yagan Memorial Park

Swan Valley, Western Australia

• Client: City of Swan
• Partners: Derbal Yerrigan Committee for the Reburial of Yagan’s Kaat
• Department of Indigenous Affairs
• Role of Artsource: Art consultant
• Artists: Jenny Dawson, Peter Farmer, Sandra Hill, Kylie Ricks
• Outcome: Installation of public art works
• Artwork budget: $140,000
• Completion Date: 2010

The establishment of the Yagan Memorial Park marks a momentous occurrence in West Australian history – the return of Yagan’s kaat (head) from Britain and its rightful burial on Nyoongar land. This project was initiated by the Derbal Yerrigan Committee for the reburial of Yagan’s kaat and has generated a place that is both memorial and a commemorative site.
 
Artsource managed the development of the public art component, working closely with artists Peter Farmer, Sandra Hill and Jenny Dawson to develop work that interprets and narrates the life story of Yagan.  Striking entrance pieces by Peter Farmer represent female and male Scarred Trees. The mosaic markings on the male Scarred Tree represent the Nyoongar shield, while the female represents the Coolamon – designed by Nyoongar artist Kylie Ricks. Jenny Dawson and Sandra Hill’s contribution to the project is a collaborative work which illustrates the story of Yagan in a meandering silkscreened porcelain piece inset into a rammed earth wall. This is a significant project that has created an important place for the community and a lasting memory to a significant historical figure.