Circular Economies Residency: Zali Morgan & Ilona McGuire in Carnamah #4

Dec 8

SPACED Circular Economies artist Zali Morgan is in Carnamah for the first time and shares reflections about her first impressions of the town whilst on residency at The Exchange with North Midlands Project.

As I am sitting here, alongside the washing waves and cool ocean breeze, thinking and reflecting on my time in Carnamah, it is not so much the memories of the place that come to mind, but rather the people, the community, and the moments of connection that bring a smile to my face.

On the drive out of Noongar Boodjar, to a place and Country I had yet to feel, ngany koort felt weary and tired. After many a very busy month of travelling in October, I was ready to plant my feet, but up and off I was again. Alongside my usual comrade and partner, Xavier, we rolled from one town to the next before landing at The Exchange in Carnamah. Greeted by the lovely producer, Tymia, whom I would get to know over the next little while.

At the Artist House, I was greeted with a known but not familiar face of Martine Perret, who was a fellow artist in residence with the North Midlands Project. I knew of her from my time growing up in Margaret River, but never met her, and she truly was a godsend.

After heading to the female-barren pub of the neighbouring town of Three Springs for a feed, Xavier worryingly left me to my own devices, which I would slowly find out would be Martine’s devices as I followed her on her adventures.

The dry heat of the air thawed me out, offering a gentle break from the evening breeze. I didn’t particularly feel inspired to turn my surroundings into work or think about how to translate them. Instead, I felt curious about the community, the people that made up this small town, where on a Sunday arvo you mightn’t see a car roll by, but you’ll definitely spot a freight train or two any day of the week. 

I waited for things to speak to me.

Something kept lingering with me whilst trailing behind Martine to Morawa, Mingenew, Coorow, and the surrounds of Carnamah. An absence.

Initially I felt it was the absence of the landscape. Amongst the rolling paddocks of wheat, barley and lupins, I kept wondering what this used to look like. In the old times, when mob and Boodjar were one. When we kept Boodjar healthy, it kept us healthy. Now just farmed till it runs dry. Mining, pastoral, or growing crops, taking until nothing is left.

I felt the Mulliah. I asked around if anyone knew anything about the lake's cultural significance or importance, but to no avail. The absence was clear here too. As did most towns across australia, Carnamah was built on the back bones of mob. Carnamah Tommy was a good man, I am told.

As much as I started to feel this absence, I started to question.

Absence wasn’t right.
It was the erasure.
Wiped from memory and voice.
Not recognised in stories. Past or present.

If you were one of the good ones, you might get a mention for the flowers you sent for the funeral.

As I walked away from the first stage of the residency, I feel thankful for my sistagirl Ilona McGuire for inviting me on. And thankful for Tymia, listening to my thoughts and providing thought provoking insights. With both my sistas alongside me, we face the erasure. Questions it’s importance. With these two alongside me, I look forward to the unravelling.

Images courtesy of the artist.

More about Zali Morgan and her project with Ilona McGuire and North Midlands Project.

More information about the Circular Economies artists, host communities and projects as they unfold can be found by subscribing to SPACED’s monthly email newsletter, and following SPACED on Facebook and Instagram.

Circular Economies is produced as a joint partnership by PICA - Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and SPACED.