Time heals all wounds

The site specific piece, an oversized oil drop constructed on the footprints of where BP’s tanks once stood. Its purpose is to interrupt the daily passage of people moving through the park, not only reminding of the sites history but a challenging reminder of the ongoing damage to our foreshores through pollution.

As participants approach they will see that oil drop is actually filled with thousands of small black clay balls brimming with seeds, where the oil like colour comes from.

These seed bombs are what participants are encouraged to take, to sow these native floras found within the park amongst their local community. To be part of the continuing movement to take back those derelict and forgotten parts of our community lands as has happened at Waverton Park. To beautify them and preserve them for our future generations. As participants engage with the idea and empty the installation, the ‘oil’ drains from the piece, we are again reminded by our actions we have the power to diminish industries’ impact.

RESPONDING TO THE WAVERTON PARK SITE

Tom Uren (whom opened the park) was key in the change in the environmental viewpoints within the Australian political landscape. Alongside Jack Mundey’s ‘Green Ban’ strikes, they both challenged the hold industry had on the environment, fighting to establish the heritage and conservation laws as people began to ask what will become of the future for our children.

This forward thinking movement was also reflected within the artistic community, as the works of Alan Sonfist (Pool of Virgin Earth) and Joseph Beuys 7000 Oaks) looked to challenge the community to raise their “ecological consciousness”. Their artworks interventions; pieces to transform and restore derelict, damaged and even poisoned spaces. As Beuys dumped the 7000 Basalt stones on the lawns in Kessel as a challenge to the people, I would hope that this work would too challenge and inspire a change in the community.