NAIDOC Street Piano Project
Nidja Djilba Boorloo by Justin Martin (2022)
Commissioned by Brookfield Place
For several years, the street pianos project has been an annual event that engages local artists to re-skin pianos as an activation for the community to watch and upon its completion, available for all in the community to enjoy and play.
This year, we are proud to have partnered with First Nations artist Justin Martin from Djurandi Dreaming, as he brings to life his specially designed street piano Nidja Djilba Boorloo.
Justin’s artwork is a representation of the Perth area as a whole. Traditionally influenced, Justin’s artwork shows a group of women gathering off the land and using several plant species for medicinal purposes whilst singing in their native tongue in boorloo. Tapping sticks, large, hollowed logs used as drums and boomerangs were the traditional Whadjak instruments. On the outskirts of the ceremonies we see the spirit of the yonga guiding women throughout Nyungar boodja.
Journey with Justin as he brings Nidja Djilba Boorloo to life.
About Justin Martin
Justin is a Whadjuk, Widi, Budimia and Ballardong man. Justin’s traditional lands stretches across Perth metropolitan region and a large part of the midwest of Western Australia making him part of the Nyungar and Yamatji Nations.
His artworks are based around history, facts and creation stories that are hundreds of years old. The stories and dot paintings are passed down from generation to generation. Djurandi Dreaming is focused on positively educating and showcasing Aboriginal culture in Western Australia while conserving culture, language and Country.
About Djurandi Dreaming
Justin’s family established Djurandi Dreaming in 2017 with the aim to deliver an exciting cultural experience to the local people of Perth and visitors to Western Australia.
Djurandi Dreaming offers a variety of tours around Perth and traditional Aboriginal art workshops.
Tours include (but are not limited to) Boya Kaarla – Point Peron Cultural Tour, Dreaming in the Quay – Elizabeth Quay night tour, Finding Yagan and Kings Park education.
Art workshops include Yarning and painting sessions for adults, boomerang painting session for kids and traditional Aboriginal art workshops.
