Richard Collopy

Wuurn 2025

steel, aluminium, wood, sandstone, abalone shells, bark, sand

$POA

Richard Collopy is an artist and a proud member of the Gadubanud-Gulidjan Custodian/Traditional Owner community, which is a part of the larger Kirrae Whurrung and Gulidjan nations. Based in the Otways, he has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the culture of his people through art and cultural education programs. Inspired by the traditions and stories of his ancestors, Collopy’s paintings, carvings, and sculptures often depict the landscapes, animals, and people that are integral to Gadubanud culture. He also works as a cultural educator, delivering programs for both public and private sectors. His educational programs are designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the Gadubanud culture, including its history, traditions, and customs.

Collopy's central installation on Lorne foreshore takes the form of a traditional wuurn structure, constructed from natural materials secured to a steel dome frame. The artist explains that: 'when rendering a home, ideas flow and now I am sharing how I discussed this with our children, we played around a lot and are building differing types of shelters today, designs from times gone by, or as we all created out there round the Cape, enjoying that designing and coming back to the fire, so to speak; this can leave that positive memory. A traditional structure, Wuurn embodies family and community central to our happiness.'

Collopy studied painting and completed a Bachelor of Science at RMIT, exhibiting since 1988. Major projects include: Gadubanud possum skin cloak for the Commonwealth Games, 2006; Indigenous Heritage Project at Cape Otway as Design and Construct Project Manager and Employment of 23 indigenous workers/artists, including talking hut sculpture, walking track, keeping place and several paintings; Lorne Sculpture Biennale (2016); Pirt Koorook Spirit Trap (2016); History display Apollo Bay Museum (201); Brolga and Emu consultation, Lake Bolac Festival (2018); Mangroves from the water exhibition, Deakin Geelong (2020). Collopy is a cultural consultant to Vic Parks, Vic Police, Traditional Owner steering committees, and VEAC Report, National Park Otways. Community projects include Kooyang Eel painting, Marra Woorn Apollo Bay, Puffing Billy sculpture, Beech Forest, and signage on The Great Ocean Walk.

Images: Richard Collopy, film still, 2021. Film by Urchin Creative (top); Richard Collopy (bottom). Courtesy the artist.

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