Jonathan Jones: untitled (walam-wunga.galang)

These epic grindstones acknowledge the weight of these stories, which change the way we understand ourselves as a nation. The works are made from sandstone collected from the south-east, slowly ground down over years. The process of shaping stone with stone speaks to our enduring presence and the strength of our knowledges. In the soundscape we hear Uncle Stan Grant Senior speak to us in Wiradjuri, telling us to stay connected to Country, that Country needs us, and that if we look after it, Country will look after us. ngangaanhi ngurambang wiinydhuradhu (we care for our Country with fire), speak to the importance of fire to maintain Country and encourage cereal grasses. Beatrice Murray sings Uncle Stan’s words to life, reminding us of the cultural significance of the links between our creative processes and caring for Country, for our grasses, our objects, which have sustained our communities for thousands of generations. These stories and how we tell them are what makes a nation.