Past Exhibition: Story.Art.History.Place

Sunday, 01 November 2009 00:00

This exhibition provided a survey of contemporary indigenous art in the Hunter region.  It was curated by Les Elvin, 2008 NAIDOC Artist of the Year, who was also one of the exhibiting artists.

Les Elvin Lizard Beware 2009	Lesley Salem Kalle Currewa 2009
Denise Hedges Water & Land 2009	Noel Phillips Your Elders - The Emu, The Goanna, The Kangaroo 2009

The exhibition explored and illustrated the symbols found traditionally on animal skins, barks, and trees of this region, and included a survey of current Indigenous artists working in the Wonnarua, Awabakal, Worimi, Dainggatti, and Kamilaroi areas. 

Artists included Lelsey Salem, Alan Teckley, Kerrie Roberts, Noel Phillips, Janelle McGrady, Glen Dennis, Des Hickey, Denise Hedges and Craig Layer.

Les Elvin works throughout the Hunter Valley teaching people of all ages in schools, workshops, and correctional centres. He is passionate about raising awareness about traditional Indigenous symbols and the expression of these in art. Les believes that awareness raises understanding, and with understanding, comes respect. Cultural respect, pride and connection to the land are what Les teaches through his art. Les recently designed a jersey for the Newcastle Knights to promote ‘Closing the Gap' - bringing attention to the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health.

Lesley Salem artist and Aboriginal health worker, attended the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women in March 2009 as a representative of Australia. Lesley has written books on health and bush tucker, and is currently studying many aspects of Indigenous history.

Story.Art.History.Place reconnected contemporary Indigenous artists and the community at large with the old symbols and artistic ways.