Birrarung dhum-djerring – Birrarung speak-together is a group exhibition exploring creative practice dialogue relating to Reconciliation.
Research background
The work is a group multimedia exhibition incorporating film, fibre art, mapped projection, creative writing, spoken-word dialogue. Indigo Perry was Concept Initiator, Curator & Contributing Artist. The work asks: how might dialogue in the form of creative practices on Country contribute to Reconciliation?
Research contribution
The work contributes significantly to research in alternative ways of dialoguing that moves beyond discursive talk, aiming to promote Reconciliation. In preparatory fieldwork, the artists made the film Stream of Consciousness, during improvisations in the artists’ disparate creative practices carried out together on Wurundjeri Country and at a traditional meeting place for Wurundjeri-Woiwurrung, Gunnai/Kurnai & Taungurung groups. The exhibition included the film, along with major fibre artwork ‘Birrarung-biikdui – Birrarung Country’ by Wurundjeri-Woiwurrung artist Brooke Wandin; 'Paen - freshwater', by Indigo Perry, a mapped projection incorporating creative writing, & audio dialogue of the artists’ reflections on their discoveries. Via curation, the exhibition invited further dialogue, including featuring a darkened gallery and furniture arranged to encourage audience contemplation, and directed flickering of light & image over the fibre artwork, which depicted the river and was displayed on the gallery floor. The work intersects with Deborah Bird Rose’s research in alternative dialogue practices (2013); Jessica White on dialoguing with non-human others (2019).
Research significance
The work had a month-long showing at Burrinja Cultural Centre Gallery in Melbourne’s east. Project funded by Yarra Ranges Council Arts & Heritage Community Grant. Exhibition competitively selected for Burrinja’s NAIDOC Week program.
Publication classification
JC2 Curated Exhibition or Event – Exhibition/Event