Each year, four artists are commissioned to produce new interactive work across the space - inviting conversations and collaborations with the community.
For the final commissioned piece, Mr Firebrace highlights experiences of nature, drawn from his own memories growing up in Shepparton with his family on the banks of the Dungala (Murray) and Kaiela (Goulburn) rivers.
Induction 2021 invites the viewer to stop, look and connect with surroundings, rather than constantly switching on to digital devices - or in his own words, to walk within two worlds.
“Us as human beings, we live and breathe in a digital world,” Mr Firebrace said.
“Sometimes we start to merge into a machine-like mentality, so for me as an artist and as an indigenous man, I have to connect to country.
“Yes, we live in the digital world but at the end of the day we are still earth’s creation. Sometimes it’s best to slow down and just walk for once.”
Using geometric designs that seem almost digital in appearance, Mr Firebrace depicts something very real – the country and landscape that we inhabit.
“This artwork depicts the river form as well as the tree roots which come off the high bank,” he said.
“Think about the sounds, smell and feelings that you might experience out on country, whether it’s on the Murray, or the Goulburn River just behind this building.”
A definite significance is attached to Induction 2021.
Aside from the homage paid to Mr Firebrace's heritage, the opportunity to endure as the final instalment on SAM's drawing wall was one which he cherished greatly.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to have this on the wall and to be that last notion for this space before SAM officially moves over into the new building,” he said.
“Particularly because I grew up here; it’s always great as an artist to do what I can for the community.
“To have my artwork here is somewhat of a personal touch, but also I just want to give back as much as I can.”
At home in Bendigo, Mr Firebrace runs his own arts and education business, Firebrace Designs.
He practices as both a professional artist and an Aboriginal educator, providing and developing Aboriginal-based learning programs for all age groups.
Mr Firebrace has worked all over Victoria in his practice - in primary and secondary schools and across TAFEs and universities.
Citing many of the other great indigenous artists from the region as his influences, such as Tammy Atkinson and Uncle Eric Brown, Mr Firebrace encouraged the public to visit galleries at Kaiela Arts and the new SAM building once open to support the local movement.
