Michael Parekōwhai is known for his wry humour and his deft combination of popular culture, art, literature and history.

In The World Turns, Parekōwhai casts a small native water rat, the kuril, in the role of hero. Along with the traditional Aboriginal custodians, the kuril is one of the caretakers of the land upon which the Gallery and this sculpture stand. Yugara Yugarapul Mununjali Elder Uncle Des Sandy tells how the kuril is intrinsically linked to the mangroves that weave around the Kurilpa Point shoreline, which feed it and provide it with shelter; these trees, with their strong tentacle-like roots, are the source of nourishment for a diverse ecology.

Here, the kuril is planted firmly on the ground, going about its business, even though it has shifted the world – represented by a large, upturned elephant – from its axis. The chair is an invitation to sit and contemplate this remarkable feat.

The World Turns reminds us that history is often recorded to highlight specific moments, but, as the world turns, there are many other stories – and these are central to our understanding of history.