Yamba's exciting exhibition

Yamba Museum have launched an exciting exhibition which Debrah Novak, Exhibition Curator wants to share with you all:

Opening night, two of the artists with their family.
Image courtesy of Yamba Museum.

IMAGinE award recipents Yamba Museum have just launched their second major project for the year, ‘VISION4CHANGE’ Aboriginal arts exhibition.

This special project, six weeks in the making is a collaborative partnership between four Clarence Valley museums who have utilised some of their historic Aboriginal photos and the Aboriginal community for the very first time.

In the 18th century the Clarence Valley was very fortunate to have two eminent Australian photographers based at Grafton. One of these was John William Lindt whose collection of Aboriginal photographic studies and portraiture are now world renown.

A number of these historic photos and the contemporary artworks from four locally acclaimed female Aboriginal artists, Jessica Birk, Frances Belle Parker, Elsie Randall and Danielle Gorogo provide a deep insight into a world not many non-Aboriginal people are familar with or have knowledge of in a local context.

One of our members also photographed and interviewed 16 local Elders to create a video enabling them to share their story. 

We had two official openings. The first one was during the day and was to accommodate the Elders and included a class from the local high school. Opening night was a huge success attracting around 100 people with the official welcome to country performed in local dialect. 

The feedback from both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community about the exhibition has been nothing short of amazing. A quote from Anne Dinham, who attended the opening night:

“I just have to say how fantastic it was to be there for perhaps our most significant exhibition opening. Deb, you have achieved something that has been talked about and sorely needed...for so long!

Possibly none of us know quite how significant tonight was, not just the exhibition itself but the bringing together of the peoples who share a love for this place.

I felt so moved by the stories told on the video and the words of those wonderful girls, the artists ... as did everyone, I think… Well done to you all! A wonderful achievement! May it continue to be a blessing to all.”

- Deborah Novak

The exhibition is on until 15 July 2013.

For more information please visit their website http://www.pyhsmuseum.org.au/