Wati Jarra Jukurrpa (Two Men Dreaming)

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay respect to their leaders, past and present. Visitors to this website should be aware that names may be mentioned, or images portrayed, of people who are now deceased. Any distress this may cause is sincerely regretted.

The Pavement Artwork, based on Paddy Japaljarri Stewart’s contemporary Warlpiri painting of the same name, brings the spirit of the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory to Reconciliation Place.

The artwork’s rich tapestry of finishes and strong linear character evoke aspects of the Australian landscape.

The bands enclosing the artwork represent Witi (ceremonial) poles which were tied to young Indigenous men’s legs as part of their initiation ceremony. The three circular forms, each set within the earth-like red pavement, represent gatherings of people and stars.

Native grass found throughout the artwork, evocative of many central Australian landscapes, represents the desert bushes which were collected and taken to Yanjirlpiri, the traditional site of the male initiation ceremony.

Artist: Paddy Japaljarri Stewart Pavement

Designers: Cia Flannery Rob Tindal

Click here to learn more about Reconciliation Place and its artworks.