Celebrating the work of mid-career artists, the Koorie Heritage Trust is proud to present four solo exhibitions – Camping on Country by Aunty Bronwyn Razem; Old and New by Uncle Greg Muir and Marnda Grik by Blackgin.
In addition, Dry Your Dishes on My Culture by Kait James see’s the Koorie Heritage Trust continue to support emerging artists in our Project Gallery.
The exhibitions will be launched on Saturday 5 October and close Sunday 24 November 2019.
Camping on Country by Aunty Bronwyn Razem
Camping on Country is an ambitious and immersive solo exhibition by Gunditjmara Master Weaver, Aunty Bronwyn Razem.
Camping on Country tells the stories of families coming together and Elders teaching the importance of being on Country—passing down knowledge and old ways.
‘The traditional knowledge of weaving was passed down from my grandmother to my mother, to myself. The continuation of this tradition has given a strong and independent voice in the modern world which we’ve used to build bridges, heal broken relationships and make new connections’, says Aunty Bronwyn Razem.
Old and New by Greg Muir
Taking inspiration from photographs – mostly from his own collection, Yorta Yorta artist Uncle Greg Muir takes the viewer on a captivating journey retelling his stories through art, and the intersection between disability and Aboriginality.
Old and New combines the familiarity of Muir’s well-known landscapes with new, deeply personal portraits featuring a variety of subjects.
Old and New is Uncle Greg’s sixth solo exhibition.
Marnda Grik by artist Blackgin
Marnda Grik means large spider in Woiwurrung. Marnda Grik is a weaver of story, history and Country. She embodies the matriarchs of the past.
In this new body of work, Central Goldfields based Wurundjeri artist Blackgin explores her relationship with Marnda Grik. For most of her life, Black Gin has struggled with debilitating arachnophobia, which is not assisted by her preferred medium, paper bark, being the natural habitat of Huntsmen.
This ongoing experience has raised questions for Blackgin around whether arachnophobia is a colonial concept that has created a disconnect between her and her country?
In Western narratives spiders are often depicted as female and are acknowledged as weavers and in their abilities to create one-off works of art in nature.
The exhibition is based on recognising the important role spiders play in nature and their cultural significance as a part of Country. Through creating works that honour Marnda Grik, Blackgin also aims to challenge those colonial notions and repair her spiritual relationship with this ancient matriarch, as well as inviting viewers into the space of Marnda Grik while paying homage to her.
Dry Your Dishes on My Culture by Kait James
Dry Your Dishes on My Culture by Wadawurrung visual artist Kait James, explores questions around identity, perception and knowledge of Australia’s Indigenous communities.
James’ focuses on the Aboriginal Calendar Tea Towels, popular during the 1970-80’s that trivialise and stereotype Indigenous culture.
She subverts them with familiar pop-cultural references, Indigenous issues relevant to that year, as well as the present day to reflect a contemporary perspective.
Through the use of embroidery, humour and vivid colours, James addresses the way Western culture has dominated Australia’s history; how Australia and the world perceives First Nations’ People and her personal reflections on her Indigenous heritage.
All of the artists are available for interview.
Camping on Country by Aunty Bronwyn Razem; Old and New by Uncle Greg Muir; Marnda Grik by Blackgin and Dry Your Dishes on My Cultureby Kait James open Saturday 5 October until Sunday 24 November 2019 at the Koorie Heritage Trust, Yarra Building, Federation Square.
Free entry. koorieheritagetrust.com.au
