Charlie Caldwell, My Counrty
On Friday 21 March Arts Northern Rivers will launch Bunarm Bologaman Wahl Bundjalung (Brothers coming together of the Bundjalung Nation), an exhibition of works by 12 significant Bundjalung artists who have a deep connection to the culture of the Bundjalung Nation and as to each other as brothers, dedicated to protecting and caretaking culture for future generations.
Guests will be welcomed to country by Arakwal and Bundjalung representatives with the exhibition opening to be officiated by Federal Member for Page – MP Kevin Hogan and Byron Shire Mayor Cr. Simon Richardson.
The exhibition comprises of work from all areas of the Bundjalung Nations inspired by nuthung garra (ancestors), the higher spiritual source known as nuthung ngali and the butheram (creation times).
Arts Northern Rivers CEO, Peter Wood said ‘This exhibition, originally developed by ACE College in Lismore, is an important opportunity for the Northern Rivers community and visitors to experience a wide variety of works by Bundjalung artists in our region.
‘The exhibition also sits within our broader Bundjalung Project, which has been funded by the Federal Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Support Program’.
The project, which focuses on the significance of traditional mark-making practices and explores how these practices can influence our approach to developing contemporary images, was first inspired by the acquisition by Grafton Regional Gallery of three traditional Bundjalung clubs dating back to the mid 1800s.
‘The Bundjalung Project is an exciting initiative that seeks to assist local Indigenous artists to reconnect with traditional Bundjalung artefacts to develop a unique style for our region through the incorporation of ancient Bundjalung Nation markings and motifs into modern indigenous art works’ Mr Wood said.
The artists, who are all teachers and mentors strong in their culture and art, each offer a unique perspective on their djugun (country) and all are dedicated to creating work that inspires the youth of the Northern RIvers to reconnect to their culture.
With over 70 works, Bunarm Bologaman Wahl Bundjalung will be a rare opportunity to see such a significant collection of contemporary Indigenous art outside of a Regional Gallery.
All works will be for sale with all proceeds going directly to the artist.
For further information visit www.artsnorthernrivers.com.au
