Semaphore Road
Client:City of Port Adelaide Enfield
Artists:Karen Genoff, Deb Sleeman
Brecknock Consulting was engaged as cultural advisors to oversee two major sculptural projects commissioned by City of Port Adelaide Enfield, as part of the Semaphore Road redevelopment. The commissions resulted from the initial streetscape master planning phase undertaken by Brecknock Consulting in 2005 as part of a team lead by GHD. YAKKANNINNA (Sisters) created by South Australian artist Karen Genoff was inspired through consultation and participation by local Kaurna Elders. The main upright element, reaching 6 metres and constructed out of Corten, is a stylised version of an Indigenous basket, which was originally created from the tufted grass tree Xanthorrhoea semiplana. Bronze cast feathers also feature on the structure. The work also incorporates three cast bronze woven mats, created by Auntie Cherie Watkins, and phrases in Kaurna language. Midden, created by South Australian artist Deb Sleeman, explores the rich history of the Semaphore area. The work represents a build-up of history, layer upon layer of cultural material. Deb also consulted with the local Kaurna Elders during the concept development process.