Dennis Golding presents Passing Knowledge, a concept design that connects the histories of place with continued practices of sharing knowledge and story. The artist took part in a series of consultations and engagements with Elders to learn the cultural practices that are deeply embedded in the areas of which the Western Harbour Tunnel is placed.

Dennis has incorporated images and symbols that highlight the stories of the First peoples who lived and cared for this Country, and who continue to do so today. This includes stories of cultural gatherings, transportation across water and land, trading between other clans, stone and shell tools, and knowledge systems of plant life. The artist uses topographical patterning of land formations, waterways and coastlines to introduce these stories to bring together representations of freshwater and saltwater regions.

Dennis also introduces a variation of colour to reflect on pigments and tones of land, water and sky Country. These colours also resemble to contemporary experiences of seeing Country through different times of the day including the sunset and sunrise where the lands and waters glisten.

The artwork celebrates the process of listening to Elders and allows the viewers to reflect on the past as they journey through their future via the tunnel.

Photo Credit: Visuals courtesy Cultural Capital City