Regi Cherini, recipient of artisan‘s inaugural Regional Artisan Residency Program, presents Such is Life, a provocative exploration of Australian identity through the lens of “bogan” culture. This exhibition showcases Cherini’s masterful subversion of traditional embroidery techniques, challenging perceptions of class, nationalism, and cultural stereotypes.
Drawing from her experiences living in regional Northern Australia, Cherini’s work offers a unique perspective on the complexities of Australian identity. The figure of the bogan in Australia conveys the contemporary complexity of class (Paternoster, H. J., Warr, D., & Jacobs, K. 2018). Her embroidered pieces depict iconic symbols of “bogan” culture – from Bundy rum caps to Southern Cross tattoos – presented on jarring backgrounds and adorned with unexpected embellishments. The presentation itself plays with expectations, pairing high-art display techniques with quintessentially “bogan” elements.
Such is Life challenges viewers to reconsider their understanding of Australian culture and identity. Through her intricate needlework and thoughtful curation, Cherini asks us to examine the intersections of class and personal identity in contemporary Australia. Transforming raw materials into powerful narratives, giving voice to complex social issues experienced by our regional artisans.
Image:
Business breakfast (on pinstripe), 2024.
Dress Code (on floral) Regi Cherini, 2024.
XXXX (on floral) Regi Cherini, 2024.
Images supplied by Regi Cherini
Photograph of Regi Cherini at exhibition Such is Life, 2024. Photo courtesy of Michelle Bowden.
