Journeys

Arif Satar and Audrey Fernandes-Satar

Title: Journeys

Artist/s: Arif Satar and Audrey Fernandes-Satar

Year: 2004

Category: Integrated

Site: Bassendean Station

Location Details: Station Platform

Description:

Journey One is 30 linear metres of stoneware ceramic artwork integrated with the architecture of the platform. Journey Two is 14 panels of stainless steel plate, mesh and cast, integrated on to the platform protection screen on the eastern side of the station.

Artist/s Statement:

Our approach was to place the works within the theme of Journeys, as a metaphor for departure, of distances to be covered in travel, or arrival where travel has finished (here), at this point. Journeys may be interpreted as spaces in translation, in-transit, locations, to discuss and link what has been, what is and what may be. In this sense, Journeys has a double nature of arrival and departure. We have juxtaposed the journeys we undertake from home to work, for leisure, to school or shopping with timescales linked to historical narratives of movement, settlement and arrival relevant to the Town of Bassendean and its people. The imagery on the artworks was collected through research and consultation, and represents a pictorial collection and historical records of the town. The themes include:

• Aboriginal history and connection to the land. Areas such as The Devil’s Elbow and Turtle Swamp as a historical meeting place for many indigenous communities.
• The settlement of West Guilford in 1829.
• The arrival of convicts in 1850, the movement and development with the gold rush period and the influx of people moving during rush hours in everyday journeys.