to come together as water unites cultural and creative practices as an expansive reimagining of water protection. Across deep subterranean basins, inland rivers, tidal flats, coastlines and seas, the exhibition reflects on our shared responsibilities to saltwater and freshwater Country. Anchored by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and lived experience, artists translate how we care for place and sustain community, knowledge, and life worlds.
Through resistance, regeneration, collaboration and observation, featured practices emphasise the indelible interconnectedness of waterways, which connect to an extended network of kinship: human and more-than-human, plants, animals, tides and wind. In these connections, artworks reveal the relationships and lessons of responsibility developed over time, generations and seasons, that continue as culture. Rising to the surface, are the extreme conditions faced by saltwater and freshwater communities, each with specificity and insights into past and present methods of water stewardship in the decline of balanced ecosystems, drought, pollution and increasing sea levels.
to come together as water gathers us all in a shared responsibility of place, and foregrounds responsive and timely practices alongside new movements of collective action that are shaping futures suggestive and resilient against immense change.
Artists: Solomon Booth, Nici Cumpston, Megan Cope, Heather Koowootha, Napuwarri Marawili, Jimmy John Thaiday and Keiran James, Jilamara Arts (Martina Baxter, Neil Black, Pamela Brooks, Walter Brooks, Brenda Bush, Doriana Bush, Michelle Bush, Timothy Cook, Colin Heenan-Puruntatameri, Nancy Kerinauia, Raelene Kerinauia Lampuwatu, Raylene Miller White, Edwina Moreen, Mary Elizabeth Moreen, Bernadette Mungatopi, Gerry Mungatopi, Jimmy Mungatopi, Janice Murray Pungautiji, Tina Patlas, Geraldine Pilakui, Aileen Puruntatameri, Barbara Puruntatameri, Colleen Freddy Puruntatameri, Marie Claire Puruntatameri, Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri, Rachel Puruntatameri, Irene Tipiloura, Pius Tipungwuti, Pedro Wonaeamirri, Michelle Woody Minnapinni), Numbulwar Numburindi Arts (Rose Wilfred, Joy Wilfred, Megan Wilfred, Virginia Wilfred, Jangu Nundhirribala, May Wilfred, Jocelyn Wilfred, Nicola Wilfred) Brian Robinson and Lucy Simpson.
Curator: Freja Carmichael
This exhibition is presented as part of the long-term research initiative Blue Assembly, which calls attention to the ways in which oceanic spaces are inextricable to the survival of all species.
Image: Megan Cope, Kinyingarra Poles, 2024, timber, kinyingarra (oyster) shells, stainless steel wire, steel base. Installation view: Sharjah Biennial 16, Buhais Geological Park, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Image courtesy the artist and Milani Gallery, Meanjin/Brisbane. Photo: Motaz Mawid.
