Sound shell reflects the shape of a Turbo or Turban Shell, which is commonly found on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and culturally significant to the Bunurong and Boon Wurrung people of the Karingal area. Made from aluminium on a magnified scale, the sculpture emits a soundscape of what you might hear when holding a seashell to your ear, interspersed with cultural history spoken by Aboriginal elders.

Commissioned by Karingal Hub and ISPT and managed by Simon Lawrie at McClelland via an open EOI selection process, developed in consultation with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, SIAL Sound Studios at RMIT University and Fundere Fine Art Foundry. Sound recorded and produced by Hayden Ryan, spoken by Uncle Mik Edwards and N’arweet Dr Carolyn Briggs AM.

Images: Christabel Wigley, Sound shell 2023, Karingal Hub, Melbourne. Photo Gary Sissons.