Munyunga
It’s most appropriate to kick off my reviews for RiotACT with this show presented by gallery@bcs as part of its RESPECT series celebrating NAIDOC week. Munyunga, meaning Eagle Hawk in the Ngarigu language, is a mixed media exhibition exploring the theme of “Kootopan” (Oneness) featuring local and South Coast artists Colleen Dixon, David Dixon, Dianne Jerrard, Angela Pisciotta and Renee Smith.
This exhibition seems to reflect unifying developments last year in Canberra’s Aboriginal community such the Murra Bidge event in September, which joined the culture and ceremony of local clans together once more with Ngarringeri people from the mouth of the Murray, who for centuries journeyed to this county along the rivers.
The theme of oneness is well reflected through the skilful mounting of this very diverse exhibition featuring paintings, digital images, ceramics, found objects, beautifully woven baskets and jewellery. Works are for sale and modestly priced.
Exhibition: Munyunga
Where: gallery@bcs, Belconnen Commnunty Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen
When: Open 9am-4:30pm Monday-Friday until 25 July 2014
Proving My Existence
Aaron Garlick’s first solo show, a product of his time as a Studio Resident at the Canberra Contemporary Art Space, explicitly deals with the artist’s reflections on his journey as a student and subsequent quest to establish his own visual language. A series of desks are arranged like a school-room, covered in doodle-like patterns and inscriptions such as we all once made at school in moments of boredom or frustration.
Mr Garlick admitted that some of the paint was still not quite dry, limiting the sense of time passed which was needed to achieve his stated aim of causing one to contemplate one’s existence. It is, however, an intriguing concept that I hope he explores further and is well worth the visit.
Exhibition: Proving My Existence
Where: CCAS Manuka, 19 Furneaux St, Manuka
When: Until 20 July 2014
Gavin Findlay is a cultural entrepreneur, musician and academic based in Canberra since 1992.
Loading ...
