Land, Sea, & Sky

• Artist: Delvene Cockatoo-Collins
• Created: 2023
• Location: Brisbane International Terminal, Level 1

Artist statement 

Land Sea and Sky shares a deeper connection with the Country where the Brisbane Airport is located. 

Through a series of patterns, the artwork maps the land, sea and sky to speak of history, nature, connections and movement. To form the development of this work, the artist was in residence and experienced multiple sites across the Brisbane Airport, including a visit to the biodiversity zone, airside and at the International Terminal departures lounge.

The biodiversity zone is 285 hectares of saltmarsh/saltpan wetland, casuarina plantation; and aquatic sub tidal habitat. The gathering of eucalyptus bark + leaves and rusted iron from this zone including the former township of Cribb Island, was later used to dye the cotton canvas. It is the natural colours on this base layer which forms the ‘feel’ of this artwork.

At the top of the artwork in the base layer includes an added element of hand painted copper for the afternoon sunset in the west.

Depicted in white at the lower part of the artwork, are long wavy patterns showing the rhythm and movement of the tide on the biodiversity site. Moreton Bay, including Quandamooka Country, is home to the artist, located east of the airport site and visible from Cribb Island.

The swirling patterns, mapped above the water on the artwork, and to the right of the River, is representative of the movement of people to and from the airport 
site. Like air currents, bringing people home or taking them on their next holiday. Or welcoming first-time arrivals. In the residency, the artist spent time airside 
and experienced standing in the flight path as a plane was coming into land - the patterns show this swift and strong air movement.

The large woven net pattern is the connections formed with one another at this site. During the residency at the International Terminal, the artwork was set up and the artist available to speak with those who were getting ready to leave the country. Connections were formed because of this welcoming space. On a separate visit in the arrivals area, the artist witnessed the reconnection of families as they emerged. It reinforced the idea of connections in this space. 

Brigalow spears shown in long brown lines, formed an important object of trading between the people across the south east. The artist’s people from Quandamooka Country traded shell and reed necklaces for Brigalow Spears. The Brigalow Spears in this artwork, represent the Country around the airport - particularly to the west of this site and because of those old trading pathways, highlight the relationships between the Aboriginal people across the south east. 

The many layers of history, use and movement on the airport site is reflected through this work in the patterns and colours. These continue to be visible and felt – particularly when arriving or leaving this space. To take notice of those around and to see the Country, the land sea and sky which has been taken care of for thousands of years, and continues to be cared for.