Exhibition Schedule:
- Nov 2024 – Jan 2025
- Somerset Civic Centre, Esk QLD
- June – July 2025
- Crows Nest Gallery, Crows Nest QLD
- November 1st – 30th 2025 (as part of Head On Photo Festival)
- Kilocy Visitor Information Centre, Kilcoy QLD
A project developed and created on the traditional lands of the Yuggera, Ugarapul and Jagara, of where I also live and work. This project was created in a partnership with my Cultural Advisor and friend, Aunty Adeline Chong.
Australian communities grapple with acknowledging and connecting to Aboriginal culture, the world’s oldest continuous civilization. My recent project, “Shared Words – Lives Lived”, aims to bridge this gap by showcasing the individual lives of eight Indigenous Elders, challenging the homogeneous perception of “Black-fellas”.
The project initially was to focus on Elders of whose land I live on, however it quickly became apparent that there are many displaced people, who for reasons ranging from forced relocations, including Stolen Generation children, through to the need to access medical facilities and education opportunities, the project expanded to include Elders from across Australia who have been dislocated from their traditional lands and find themselves now living in SE Qld.
The works presented in this project include:
- 8 large portraits : presented on sheer fabric, to hang centrally in the gallery. The translucent material allows light to penetrate and transmit, giving the portrait a life of its own as it moves with the wisps of air currents. (size: approx 1850 x 1400mm each)
- 8 videos : with each Elder sharing their life experiences. While segments of the stories are truly sad, they are also inspiring with some wonderful outcomes and optimism. The stories can either run in a loop, or the visitors can select which story they may wish to watch and listen to. The stories range from 8 mins to 28 mins duration each.
This work invites viewers to see beyond stereotypes, fostering a deeper understanding of Aboriginal individuals and their unique stories. By highlighting personal narratives, I hope to contribute to a more nuanced and respectful dialogue between cultures in Australia, while prompting me to investigate my possible links and heritage with the Nharangga People of South Australia.
