X is for eXhibit - yes I have cheated.

Saturday was another day in Melbourne. Today I did a bit of a museum/gallery tour. 

I started with a tram ride up to Melbourne Museum to see their First Nations' space, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. More info here: Bunjilaka | Museums Victoria. Another thought provoking exhibition introducing some elements of the culture of local aboriginal groups, and reflecting on some of the oppression of the indigenous people since colonisation. 

Message stick (copy). These were used (at least in the area that became Melbourne) to grant permission to travel in a particular area. 

This is an recently made possum skin cloak. The inside of the skin was etched with images representing the individuals' experiences and life, and the outside has the fur to keep warm. 

This was part of an exhibit telling one of the local creation stories. The wings flew, flexing up and down on a large circular axis, on these were projected images, and then the creation story was told with sound effects. It was really beautiful - a real piece of art work. 

Next I took the tram down to Fed Square, which houses the Koorie Heritage Trust and the Ian Potter centre of the National Gallery of Victoria. 

The Koorie Heritage Trust is quite small, but importantly is a trust for indigenous artists. It featured some really lovely paintings of different styles. They also had an audio/visual exhibit reflecting on the Yarra River (that runs through Melbourne), how the course was altered to prevent flooding and allow the docks to work more effectively. Much to the detriment of the way the land had been managed for millennia. They also do a annual/bi-annual design workshop with artists. This time they were focused on fashion, with a range of different styles represented, but a lot of screen painting and natural/recycled fabrics. I found a video with interviews from the artists playing upstairs which meant the actual pieces made more sense!

The Ian Potter has a range of work from indigenous artists, some on permanent display. One of my favourite parts was the bark salon, full of bark paintings of all different styles - which you can look at online https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/custom/screens/bark-salon-mobile/

There was also some reflections on "Future Country" with an eclectic range of work, including a large scale photo of the Rainforest that ran on to the floor, you were encouraged to walk on this mirroring the damage that has and is being done to this environments. There was also some beautiful woven pieces. 

This piece was a poignant one a woven copy of the dress their great grandmother was forced to wear in the 'christian' mission. Forbidden to speak their own language or practice traditional knowledge (like weaving these reeds), their grandmother used times spent gathering wild flowers and other 'wholesome' activities when their was less supervision to pass on language and skills to the children. 

This one was a community art work. It was amazing because it was very cohesive and beautiful even though it was the work of different ages and experience levels. You see differences in styles but it wasn't immediately obvious.

Bottom right hand corner to show the detail. 

By the Koorie Heritage Trust

The Ian Potter and surrounding area

I met this little fellow having a cold drink after my viewings. 

After spending most of the day at exhibits I headed to the shopping centre which was right next to china town (where a lot of good food places are), it was crazy busy with no clarity about whether we were walking on the right or left!