A painting by Dennis Golding represents the landscapes and waterways connecting all UNSW campuses and the continuation of culture through deep listening, sharing stories and exchanging knowledge.
A new work by artist and UNSW alumnus Dennis Golding has been commissioned as part of UNSW’s commitment to recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history.
Between the land and water reflects the significance of the land on which UNSW is situated, recognising it as saltwater Country that has sustained life, produced knowledge systems and been a space for cultural gatherings.
Mr Golding is a Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist from northwest NSW and was born and raised on Gadigal land in Redfern.
“I was invited to produce an artwork that recognises the lands and waters between the UNSW campuses,” he said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Leanne Holt said the artwork acknowledges landscapes, waterways and cultural pathways that continue to sustain knowledge-sharing, storytelling and cultural resilience.
“This artwork represents the deep and continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this Country,” she said.
“Through this commission, UNSW honours our commitment to walking together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ensuring their perspectives are at the heart of our institution.”
The painting will be on permanent display in the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Division’s offices in the Chancellery at UNSW Kensington. It will also be used in institutional projects, including in the design of the University’s new ceremonial mace.
Topographical patterns capture connection with Country
Mr Golding took inspiration for the work from the ways in which Aboriginal people have used natural materials, such as rock, plants and shells, to create cultural tools including hooks and nawis (traditional canoes).
These motifs are woven through the painting in a topographical patterning of the local coastline and river systems, representing the landscapes and waterways that connect UNSW campuses.
The artwork also references the way seaweed washes up along the local shores, including at Coogee, a place name that comes from a word in the local language meaning ‘drying or smelling seaweeds’.
The composition includes lined pathways throughout the design to acknowledge the many nations who live, work and travel across this region.
“I’m inspired by topography and how it resembles patterns of everyday life including roadways, train lines, ferries and footpaths,” said Mr Golding.
“As people, we each create a trail into life, and I like to interpret our experiences through an aerial view to show where we come from, where we’re going and how we move across the land. I enjoy the process of allowing my hands to create a natural flow of lines that meet the mapping of local coastlines and waterways of each campus.
From staff member to alumnus
The new artwork complements another work by Mr Golding that’s displayed in Nura Gili, representing the sandstone landscape of the La Perouse area.
Mr Golding has a long connection with UNSW as both a past staff member and alumnus.
“I started working at Nura Gili when I was 18 and I managed the student tutoring program. I worked for over five years until I made the decision to leave as a staff member to study fine arts,” he said.
He graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from UNSW Art & Design.
“My student life was greatly influenced by my art teacher and mentor Tess Allas who nurtured my creative path into curatorial work as well as becoming the artist I am today.”
Mr Golding works in a range of mixed media, including painting, video, photography and installation. His practice critiques the social, political and cultural representations of race and identity, drawing from his experiences growing up in Redfern and the artistic influences of his mother and grandmother.
He has exhibited at major institutions, including the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Living Museums and Carriageworks. His public art installations can be found throughout Sydney, and he co-founded the Re-Right Collective with Carmen Glynn-Braun. Mr Golding and Ms Glynn-Braun also collaborated with Kira Weingarth on a mural at the Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab.
To enquire about incorporating Between the land and water in future UNSW projects, please contact the DVC (Indigenous) team.
Top image: Detail from Between the land and water by Dennis Golding
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