Presenting a selection of never before seen artworks, photographic portraits and a newly commissioned documentary film in recognition of Aboriginal people that have contributed to recording and maintaining history and culture. These artworks and objects reveal stories of individuals who saw a need to document what was around them through times of enormous change. The continuation of strength and pride in Aboriginal cultures is shared through family connections, stories of great heroism and deep cultural knowledge passed on through songs, ceremony and language.
UQ Anthropology Museum presents an exhibition celebrating the significant contribution of Aboriginal Elders who saw a need to document what was around them through times of enormous change. For many years there was a misconception that Aboriginal cultures were at risk of disappearing. While many aspects have changed, Aboriginal cultures today are thriving and this exhibition documents the individual contributions made to recording and maintaining history and culture.
Included in the exhibition are over thirty photographic portraits and accompanying biographies of south east Queensland Elders. A selection of drawings from the mid-1950s and a series of overpainted photographs inspired by the drawings reveals significant body paint motifs as documented by Willie Mackenzie.
Three significant carvings by Fred Embrey are on loan for the exhibition from Queensland Museum and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art alongside objects on loan to the Anthropology Museum from Fryer Library, Royal Queensland Historical Society and private lenders.
The continuation of strength and pride in Aboriginal cultures is shared through family connections, stories of great heroism and deep cultural knowledge passed on through songs, ceremony and language. Everybody has a story to tell, and these images and objects reveal stories of individuals who saw a need to document what was around them and continue strength and pride in Aboriginal cultures.
UQ Anthropology Museum Level 1, Michie Building St Lucia Campus
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm & First Saturdays: April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5 and November 2.
