Under the Surface

Under the Surface is a curated public art project comprising of local and internationally renowned artists' works, located along the existing East Gippsland Rail Trail and extending through a selection of villages and townships of GunaiKurnai Country. The project invited local artists Alice Pepper and Patricia Pittman, to be joined by visiting artists MEGGS, Ling and Minna Leunig - led by the story of the GunaiKurnai community. Sites include: Nicholson Bridge. Patricia Pittman, Partelli's Crossing, Tostaree. Minna Leunig, Orbost Butter Factory LING , Nowa Nowa underpass. Alice Pepper X MEGGS Each of the artists’ practice focuses on flora, fauna and natural environment and the works subsequently draw attention to the natural environment, assisting in visual storytelling and aiming to connect and grow human relationships with the land through art. Through a cultural awareness program with GLaWAC and community, the visiting artists developed learnings on artistic practices, storytelling, introduction to the local environment and preservation. In turn, visiting artists shared their skills with locals, encouraging confidence in presenting works at a larger scale, with connection to story. The Social Crew conducted onsite research, engaged key community members and groups, and collaborated with GLaWAC and the East Gippsland Rail Trail Committee to curate the project in order to better inform the travelling artists of their subject matter and the land on which they stand.