The Koorie Heritage Trust is proud to present the first-ever solo exhibition of Yorta Yorta/Taungurung artist Donna Blackall. Showcasing new works alongside work from the Koorie Heritage Trust Collection, My Cultural Journey opens Saturday 29 February until Sunday 19 April 2020 at the Koorie Heritage Trust.
Weaving remains an important way of connecting to culture and country. First Nation communities in the South East of Australia have a strong history of using weaving techniques for ceremonial, decorative and practical applications. My Cultural Journey will be shown in the Koorie Heritage Trust’s Project Gallery and includes sculptural weaving, baskets, woven shields and animals. Blackall uses a blanket stitch with New Zealand flax, which she collects from her local area and raffia giving her work a contemporary outcome.
‘Weaving offers me an opportunity to explore my story and connect with others. It is a way to share knowledge but more than that, weaving is addictive. The possibilities are endless and I find I am always weaving, using my hands to constantly create,’ says Donna Blackall.
Originally taught to weave as a young girl, Blackall rekindled her love of weaving when she participated in a workshop with master weaver Bronwyn Razem (Gunditijmara). Blackall has conducted weaving workshops over many years, and although she has also exhibited in group shows across Melbourne and Victoria, this is the first solo exhibition by Blackall.
Donna Blackall is based in Ballarat and available for interview.
The Koorie Heritage Trust’s Project Gallery operates to showcase new and emerging artists working in a variety of media and disciplines who may not have had the opportunity to exhibit elsewhere. Artists are encouraged to contact the Koorie Heritage Trust for further information about exhibiting in the Project Gallery.
The Koorie Heritage Trust is proud to acknowledge exhibition partners Creative Victoria, City of Melbourne and the Indigenous Visual Arts and Industry Support Program.
My Cultural Journey – Incorporating Old and New by Donna Blackall opens Saturday 29 February until Sunday 19 April 2020 in the Project Gallery at the Koorie Heritage Trust, Yarra Building, Federation Square. Open daily, 10am – 5pm. Free entry www.koorieheritagetrust.com.au
