For Our Elders: Indigenous Art Exhibition at 1 Denison
This NAIDOC Week, discover breathtaking Indigenous art when you step into the foyer of 1 Denison and immerse yourself in For Our Elders, an Indigenous art exhibition curated by Bluethumb. Read on to discover the work on display and hear from exhibiting artist Karen Lee Mungarrja about what this year’s theme means to her.
1 Denison’s lobby has been transformed in honour of NAIDOC week and features artwork by Karen Lee Mungarrja and Warlukurlangu artists. Photography by Ashley Mar.
Explore how contemporary Indigenous artists use traditional techniques passed down for generations to express and preserve identity, culture and deep connection to the land. The exhibition is on display until August 25th, open from 7:30 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
The For Our Elders exhibition is on display until August 25th. Photographed above is Karen Lee’s ‘Marra’ Feel’ series.
This exhibition honours past and present Indigenous Elders and features artwork from Sydney-based artist Karen Lee Mungarrja, a Wiradjuri (People of the Three Rivers) artist of the Tubba-Gah clan. Also on display is the Warlukurlangu Art Centre, the longest-running Aboriginal-owned art centre in Central Australia, supporting the remote community of Yuendumu since 1985.
Grab a coffee, relax and admire the Indigenous artwork by Warlukurlangu artists at 1 Denison.
Through her art practice, Karen explores her Elders’ tangible and spiritual legacy and their lasting contribution to culture. “Aboriginal peoples have walked this country for thousands of years,” says Karen. “Art is a visual representation of time in history. Through the continuing creation of art that encompasses the stories and traditions of our culture, our Elders and their knowledge will be remembered and celebrated now and in the future.”
The above artwork is Kaliny-kalinypa / Ultukunpa Jukurrpa (Honey Grevillea Dreaming) by Brenda Punytjina Armstrong.
“Engaging with the public to share culture and genuinely connect with people is so important to reconciliation,” says Karen. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and as part of this exhibition, Karen is holding an artist talk on Thursday 6th, from 10.30 – 11.00 am.
Displayed from left to right are ‘Yirigaa’ Morning Star 3, ‘Yirigaa’ Morning Star 4, and ‘Marra’ Feel’ 10 (sold) by Karen Lee Mungarrja.
“The evolution of Indigenous art will be ensured with the continuing investment of providing spaces and opportunities for artists to tell their stories,” says Karen. “Providing artists with the knowledge and skills to navigate selling their art and providing education in the public space to ensure the authenticity and protection of artists and culture.”
Can’t make it to the exhibition? No worries, click the image below to shop the curation from the comfort of your home!
