To mark NAIDOC Week 2025, Craft Victoria approached Shahn Stewart of botanical design studio Alchemy Orange, to create a sculptural installation in the busy CBD foyer space of 171 Collins.
Craft was thrilled to continue our ongoing work with Shahn, following her role as guest curator of 2022 exhibition Into the Everywhen, Craft's 2022 First Peoples-led Exhibition.
The project was commissioned through Craft Agency in collaboration with 171 Collins and Alchemy Orange.
Tell us about this project, and how did it come about?
This sculpture work was commissioned by 171 Collins for their lobby space as part of NAIDOC week 2025, creating a moment for passersby to pause, reflect, and connect with Country.
The collaboration came about by the Craft team introducing myself and my work to 171 Collins, followed by a meeting and site visit to talk through ideas and then we made it happen!
Can you tell us about the process of making the work?
The designing and making of the work came from many factors! After visiting the site and seeing the vast scale of the modern lobby I knew I wanted to create something that was minimal but also interesting enough to catch peoples eye as they walked through the thoroughfare. I wanted to showcase our native botanical materials in forms that they wouldn't necessarily be seen growing in such a way out in the bush, offering viewers a different lens than the perception they may have of our natural bushscape.
As the work was also in situ for the entire month of July I needed to use materials that would dry well so clustering the materials tightly meant there would be no room for drying to effect the final form of each sculpture. The colour palette was also chosen to compliment the warm tones of the lobby creating a cohesive visual experience.
I also designed and my friend and I fabricated the larger base structure specifically for this install, so it was great to expand the horizon of what was possible and give 171 a completely unique sculpture in honour of NAIDOC 2025.
What was it like working with Craft Agency?
Absolutely fantastic. I love the Craft team so much.
The project was facilitated in such a way that I felt supported throughout the entire course of the collaboration and someone was always available to assist in any way that I may've needed at the time.
