Aunty Ellen & Jelina Haines
Image: Aunty Ellen Trevorrow and Jelina Haines, Pariki Perki (Waterhole) and Brupi Wakiri (Huntsman Spider). Photograph Sam Roberts.
Aunty Ellen Trevorrow and Jelina Haines
Pariki Perki (Waterhole) and Brupi Wakiri (Huntsman Spider), 2022
Ngaitye of Uncle Darrel Rigney
2D weaving, wire, native reeds, shells and string
Kungari (Black Swan), 2022
Ngaitye of Aunty Noreen Kartinyeri
2D weaving, wire
Ngori (Australian Pelican), 2022
Ngaitye of Aunty Uncle Tom Trevorrow, Aunty Alice Abdulla (nee Trevorrow) and Aunty Rita Lindsay Sr. (nee Trevorrow)
2D weaving, wire
Krauli (White Face Heron or Blue Crane), 2022
Ngaitye of Uncle George Trevorrow
2D weaving, wire
Pondi (Murray Cod), 2022
Ngaitye of Aunty Ellen Trevorrow
2D weaving, wire
Commissioned by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport
Department of Infrastructure and Transport – Ngarrindjeri woven sculptures
Working alongside Multiplex and Woods Bagot, and in consultation with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s Aboriginal Engagement team, the Department sought Guildhouse’s expertise in commissioning five public artworks for their new Pirie Street offices.
The o
Our 83 Pirie Street office in Adelaide showcases many Aboriginal artworks. Each artwork has a unique story to tell about our rich Aboriginal history.
Our Aboriginal history has been passed down through storytelling – spanning hundreds of generations. This tradition dates back tens of thousands of years and has been evolving.
Learn about the artists and the stories behind their work as you explore our office
Central to Ngarrindjeri culture is the interconnected link to the Ngurunderi ancestor and its creation stories. Animal totems are believed to be the descendants of the Dreamtime. Each clan family belonging to the group is responsible for the caring of their totem. The caring for the totem consists of the proper management of local resources in ensuring the survival of the Ngaitye (totem) and not raided to the point of extinction, but also the spiritual management of all the ceremonies necessary to ensure the survival of Ngarrindjeri Ngaitye (totem).
Each level of the offices holds a theme
Level four is themed around water and lakes “Pangka Pari Winaityinaityi” (Kaurna).
Hanging from the ceiling by the lobby area is weaving artwork on display. The piece is a Ngaitye (totem) of Uncle Darrel Rigney (Ngarrindjeri Elder). Native reeds, shells, and strings were used to create this piece which depicts Pariki perki (waterhole) and Brupi wakiri (Huntsman Spider).
The artwork was produced by Aunty Ellen Trevorrow and Jelina Haines.
Artist Biography:
Sair Bean is a cross-disciplinary artist with an interest in social commentary. She enjoys pulling back the layers of societal conditioning to create art that is optimistic, empathetic, and curious about culture, history, and identity. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of community stories, cultures, and shared experiences, Sair Bean’s work is an exploration of connection, an invitation for people to see themselves within the collective narrative.
Images: Aunty Ellen Trevorrow and Jelina Haines, …and the roots run deep while the windows whisper. Photographs Sam Roberts and Lana Adams.
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