Commemorate

Mieke van de Berg, Commemorate, 2019, 2 metal rings, string, tape, glue tape, 200 paper strips, size variable.

This work explores the psychic value of the Buderim War Memorial Hall. I was inspired by the stories of the first settlers that dedicated their time and resources to build this hall in 1887. At first, it was the School of Arts, later a community hall, library and place where dances were held that drew in people all the way from Sydney. The existence of the hall and its many renovations has depended entirely on volunteers. I found 220 volunteers in newspaper articles, books and other records dating back to 1887. The historical photos in the reception room of the hall display highlight these glorious events that were organised and run by the volunteers.

I drew my inspiration from the white streamers used to decorate the hall for these balls. I used a 1930’s typewriter to type the name of each volunteer on the bottom of each of these strips of paper to celebrate and commemorate the volunteers that built and made the Buderim War Memorial hall what it is today.