Gallery Lane Cove has launched an exhibition developed to present Aboriginal matrilineal perspectives on environmental care for NAIDOC Week 2020. The intergenerational exhibition acknowledges the innate understanding that Traditional Custodians possess around how people relate to nature, flora, and fauna.
The multi-narrative exhibition was developed collaboratively by the gallery's curator Rachael Kiang and Aboriginal co-curator Kyra Kum-Sing to showcase the process of healing and renewal in the wake of the recent bushfire catastrophe.
Ms Kum-Sing told NITV News that the exhibit will stray from the norms of a patriarchal society to highlight the Indigenous female perspective around matrilineal bloodlines and the way Traditional Owners care for the environment.
"It's about getting that conversation around environmental care and the way we look after our land, which all of these artworks speak to, and it was very important to have that story represented.
"Getting awareness is important, if we don't connect and listen, we will never learn, so why not listen to one of the world's oldest cultures, especially the women," Ms Kum-Sing said.
The exhibition will exhibit the work of distinguished Gamilaroi photographer Barbara McGrady, Wiradjuri, Yuin, Gadigal master weaver Nadeena Dixon and emerging contemporary artist Carmen Glynn-Braun from Arrernte, Kaytetye, and Ammatyerre nations. The intergenerational artists will create a multi-narrative which will attempt to delve into the realignment of the relationship between Indigenous Australians and nature.
Dyarra Murama Guwing co-curator Kyra Kum-Sing. Source: NITV News
Ms Kum-Sing said the exhibition will display a range of art styles including mixed medium, textile, site-specific work, and photography. She also believes that the selection of artists will assert female strength and resilience as a key element of the exhibition.
Artist Carmen Glynn- Braun told NITV News that she wanted her works to represent generational knowledge to fit into the theme of climate change and environmental care.
"It's really, really important that we address this from an Indigenous perspective and a generational perspective where we are sharing knowledge with each other and that is safeguarded and also that people from different mobs are all from totally different areas are utilising sharing knowledge with each other," Ms Glynn-Braun said.
Aboriginal Co-curator Kyra Kum-Sing said in a statement, that she was keen to collaborate on the exhibition as a Traditional Owner and practitioner, because of her vast experience in Matrilineal law and hoped that the exhibition would showcase all facets of women's business by maintaining the "strong connection between the very old and new."
Artist Carmen Glynn-Braun Source: NITV News
"As a practitioner, it is part of who I am. It is part of what I do and practice today, under the presence, guidance and directions of senior knowledge holders within my bloodlines.
Maintaining the ecological interaction between earth, water, sky, people and spirit are aligned as one with the environment,” said Ms Kum-Sing.
The exhibition will run until the 5th of December.
