GRAE BURNISHED
Alter of Her
Acrylic on paper-mâché clay, glass beads, freshwater pearl beads, amber beads, brass, gold leaf and silk thread
50 x 43cm
$5000
Altar of Her commemorates my grandmother, exploring Polish cultural identity, maternal lineage, and memory. Constructed from paper-mâché clay to evoke objects from the past, it centres on a photograph of my Babcia, encircled by pearl like glass beads, symbols of resilience and wisdom.The altar reflects her life, born in Poland, she worked as a nurse during World War II and later reunited with my grandfather in Australia after years apart. Folk-inspired clay inlay references Kaszuby embroidery from her family’s region, while flanking vase forms hold Australian native flowers, acknowledging her transnational journey. Hand-painted red corn poppies and a reimagined Polish emblem featuring a Harpy with golden horns blend mythology, memory, and heritage. Amber beads, sourced in Poland, add personal and cultural significance.Through this work, I honour my Babcia’s strength and presence, creating a space where memory, ancestry, and personal history converge in material form.