Standing Sentinel

It was traditionally used to make water carriers, but now artist Vicki West uses kelp to create intricate and beautiful works of art.

West is a sculptor, weaver, installation artist, curator and teacher who lives and works in Launceston, Tasmania.

A proud Trawlwoolway woman, she draws inspiration from her Country in north-eastern Tasmania. She uses bull kelp and traditional Aboriginal practices to create powerful sculptures that explore the impacts of invasion, government policies, land rights and social justice issues.

Her work Sentinel was commissioned by the Australian War Memorial and is on display as part of the For Country, for Nation exhibition.

“The kelp for me is that metaphor of survival because it was traditionally used for water carriers, and water is essential for our survival as people,” West said.

“When I was asked to create something for the Memorial, I thought and thought, and then I said, ‘I’m not sure if this is cheating because I’ve already made one, but I really want to create another armour.’

“I deliberately used nine panels, which represent the nine nations within Tasmania, and I like the idea that it is armour, and that it is about that protection, and about protecting culture and protecting environment.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a long-standing tradition of fighting for Country, and continue to serve with honour among our military forces.

They have also worked in ancillary, industry, and other home-front activities, and their communities have been thrust into the front line of theatres of war.

The For Country, for Nation exhibition highlights these stories and explores themes of remembrance and tradition through family histories, objects, art, and photographs. They come from across Australia, drawing inspiration from cultural traditions and symbols of the warrior’s discipline, knowledge, leadership, and skill.

West’s work Sentinel pays homage to ancestors who fought to protect Iutruwita (Tasmania) and honours present-day cultural warriors who continue to fight to protect their home. It also pays tribute to Aboriginal men who volunteered to serve during the First World War and the Second World War, and were later dispossessed under the soldier settlement scheme, which benefitted the white veterans or “silver tailer’s”.

“It was about recognition because we weren’t people in our own country,” West said.

“We were stuck on reserves and missions and dispossessed off our own land, so there’s that idea of the ‘sentinel’ always being there and watching over Country. It’s saying: ‘You might not always see us, but we’re always here, watching over, and making sure everything’s okay.’”

The temporary exhibition For Country, for Nation closes on 13 September 2017 and will later tour around various locations in Australia.