The wait to see the stunning triptych, A Guidance Through Time created by Quandamooka artists Casey Coolwell and Kyra Mancktelow for The University of Queensland Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is finally over after a series of unveiling events.

The highly anticipated artwork recognises all three major campuses and other UQ sites and champions a strong sense of belonging and truth-telling about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories as well as ongoing connections with Country, culture and kin.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Bronwyn Fredericks said this work is an important visual representation of UQ, and embodies reconciliation in all our core business.

“As an important signifier of UQ’s reconciliation journey, Casey and Kyra’s contribution is a valuable historical step,” Professor Fredericks said.

“The celebratory nature of this art unveiling acknowledges and reinforces the University’s commitment to building respectful relationships and opportunities between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples.”

Although created as a single artwork, the piece can be read in three sections, starting with the blue/greys of the Herston Campus, the purple of St Lucia and the orange/golds of Gatton.

The artwork connects well into this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme Grounded in Truth. Walk Together with Courage.

Professor Fredericks said “A Guidance Through Time provides such rich symbols for reflecting on reconciliation, truth-telling and how we as individuals – but also as UQ – can walk together with courage towards reconciling Australia.”

“Since the launch of our RAP in December last year, we have built a formal framework to follow in the spirit of reconciliation and fostering relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous communities.

“Our new reconciliation artwork embraces and reflects that framework and actions we can take back to the viewer helping to clarify and understand UQ’s place in reconciling Australia within the higher education landscape.”

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj AC said the University was open to further opportunities to build sustainable relationships where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and community members feel valued and respected.

“We will continue to seek guidance and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to inform the next stages of our reconciliation journey,” Professor Høj said.

 

“I thank Casey and Kyra for their bold contribution to our reconciliation efforts.”

The launches, which lead into National Reconciliation Week, took place at our Gatton, St Lucia and Herston campuses.

UQ’s Reconciliation Action Plan can be viewed here.

More details about the artists Casey Coolwell and Kyra Mancktelow is here.

Above image (L-R) UQ VC Professor Peter Høj AC, PVC Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Ms Casey Coolwell, Ms Kyra Mancktelow, Ms Kelly Robinson.

Media: Project Manager Nell Angus, n.angus@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3343 1679.