Margaret River 'Refuge' unveiled
Margaret River artist Kashmir Rouw says his new sculpture highlights Gnarabup's importance as a place of safety and protection.
The new the six-sided geometric sculpture, titled Refuge, has been officially unveiled at the Gnarabup boat ramp where residents sheltered during the 2011 bushfires.
"It's important to recognise Gnarabup Beach as a place of refuge," he said.
"It continues to be that kind of place for families, and for the community."
Rouw said the sculpture's abstract angles corresponded to the angles of sunrise and sunset during the summer and winter solstices.
"This interaction of light aims to highlight the importance of solar orientation," he said.
"With a more holistic approach to building our homes, creating our lives and developing a strong connected community."
Rouw said his personal experience of the fires led him to think about the importance of refuge and safety, themes that were reflected in the artwork.
"A lot of friends that I knew lost houses," he said.
"We lost refuge within our environment and within our homes.
"It was about creating something that symbolised the need for refuge in our lives."
The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River commissioned the sculpture as the final work in its 27-piece public art trail.
Rouw carved and polished the sculpture in two parts from local limestone and lime sand cement.
