GALLERY NEWS | LEST WE IGNORE!

From the frontier violence that informs ongoing conflict, to more recent military engagements, the current showcase at the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery ‘(in)visible: The First Peoples and War’, is an exhibition that considers war from the perspective of Aboriginal men and women. Curated by Yhonnie Scarce and Meryl Ryan in consultation with the Aboriginal Reference Group, the show recognises the injustices and the passion, the struggles and the pride with which Aboriginal people have fought for their Country.

Featuring works by Tony Albert, Julie Gough, Amala Groom, Anna Liebzeit, Archie Moore, Judy Watson and Jason Wing and the wise words of John Maynard. The exhibition includes a group of bullet artworks, which were recently auctioned at the successful Babana Men’s Group Fundraiser and have found their new home in a local private collection. Each of these artist’s works contains layers upon layers of meaning and highlights the complex, difficult and emotional subject of war. And guess what.. your even welcome to get your fiddly little hands amongst it!

As part of (in)visible: the First Peoples and War, The Poppy Wall installation features individually handcut gold poppies, designed and printed by the Aboriginal community. These beautys provide a surface for the inscriptions of your messages, responses, thoughts, poems, or condolences – a space to reflect on war, family histories or personal feelings. The poppies will eventually accumulate and gather to form one powerful vibrant textured installation.

EXHIBITION DATES: 27 March – 17 May 2015

SPECIAL EVENT: Friday 8 May 10am–2.30pm FORUM: THE FIRST PEOPLES AND WAR Hosted by the Aboriginal Reference Group, this forum will address some of the issues reflected in the exhibition and prompt discussion on topics such as military service, the Anzac story and the post-war experiences from the perspective of Aboriginal men and women. $25 per person includes lunch and refreshments: bookings essential. See the Lake Mac gallery website for more details.

Visit- artgallery.lakemac.com.au

[image, detail] Tony Albert Brother (Our Future) 2013, pigment print on paper, Corrigan Collection © the artist