A group of six Indigenous artists are bringing their understanding of Country, their Ancestral connection and cultural landscapes to Bunjil Place, as part of the premiere of a new art exhibition.
Featuring soundscape, moving image, screendance, carving, weaving, printmaking, and photography, ngaratya (together, us group, all in it together) is running from Sunday, May 14 to Sunday, September 3.
Including more than 50 works, the exhibition is the result of several journeys the six Barkandji/Barkindji artists Nici Cumpston, Zena Cumpston, David Doyle, Kent Morris, Adrianne Semmens, and Raymond Zada took to their Country, where they spent time travelling together and engaging with cultural landscapes, their Elders, community, and each other.
Barkandji/Barkindji are the people of the Baaka (Darling River), culturally responsible for the waterway and vast Country spanning more than 100,000 square kilometres across western New South Wales.
Zena said the exhibition is the result of 16 months of work, including the artists’ journey to their Country.
“It was completely invaluable to be able to spend time together and with our Elders,” she said.
“It’s made our work really rich.
“Ultimately, that show is about everyone being welcomed into Barkandji/Barkindji Country.”
Zena said the artists are grateful for the support they have received from Bunjil Place, Casey Council and National Exhibitions Touring Support (NETS) Victoria.
“Without Bunjil Place and NETS, this wouldn’t have happened,” she said.
Bunjil Place is hosting a special Mother’s Day launch event on Sunday, May 14 from 3pm to 6pm, as well as a preview on Monday, May 14 from 6pm to 7.30pm and an artist panel discussion on Tuesday, May 15 from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Barkandji/Barkindji dancer and educator Adrianne Semmens is also hosting a dance workshop suitable for children aged eight to 10 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm on Friday 12 May.
To book tickets or for more information, visit www.bunjilplace.com.au/events/ngaratya-together-us-group-all-it-together or tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/events.
Matthew Sims
