Images courtesy of SeaLink South Australia.
SeaLink South Australia unveiled a newly commissioned artwork by emerging Ngarrindjeri artist Aislin Aspel on March 20. The piece, titled The Continuous Journey, is displayed outside the Penneshaw Ferry Terminal on Kangaroo Island, and highlights the connection between people, animals and environment, with a focus on the landscapes and waters of Kangaroo Island.
Incorporating SeaLink’s brand colours with expressive blues marking the movements of the oceans, dots symbolising stars and Dreaming, and golden yellow representing the beckoning sun, the piece forms a continuous design with no beginning or end, that symbolises life’s journey and one’s relationship to Country.
Completing the piece was a personal milestone for Aislin, who was raised in Raukkan near Lake Alexandrina, but also provided a unique opportunity for her to share her culture and connection with Country, and enabled her to shine a light on the importance of Ngarrindjeri Dreaming stories and Aboriginal art, which have greatly influenced her work.
Under the Reconciliation Action Plan, the Penneshaw installation demonstrates SeaLink’s continuing commitment to illustrate First Nations culture and connection to Country.
“Aislin captures the connection between people and Country,” says Tracy Croft, General Manager of SeaLink South Australia, who explains that the initiative is part of a broader commitment to supporting emerging artists and creating opportunities for them to share their work.
“We’re pleased to provide a space where this work can be shared with the many locals and visitors who pass through the Penneshaw terminal each day,” says Tracy. “I hope visitors can feel that story through the artwork and recognise the importance of caring for the land and the waters we all share.”
Next time you make the trip through the Penneshaw Ferry Terminal on Kangaroo Island, be sure to pause and take a moment of quiet reflection by basking in The Continuous Journey, because sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination.
