SET in Mooroopna, ‘Mooroopna Education & Activity Centre’ (MEAC) delivers a wide variety of programs and services to the Goulburn Valley community.
To commemorate National Reconciliation Week, MEAC is showcasing a range of impressive Indigenous artwork by local Indigenous artists Greg James, Holly McLennan-Brown and Tom Day until the June 10.
National Reconciliation Week, which runs from May 27 to the June 3, each year, is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The exhibition features a range of acrylic canvasses, woods, fabric and ceramics. All three artists take inspiration from their cultural heritage, drawing upon dreaming and creation stories as well as their connection to country. In doing so, they seek to increase understanding of Indigenous culture through their art.
While he leaves himself open to all techniques, Tom Day is a master at the very Victorian hatching technique which requires the steadiest of hands and sharpest of eyes to execute.
“This very ‘geometric’ type of Aboriginal art, as my works on display here encompass, is Victorian-centric” said Mr Day.
“The line work, hatching and sharp lines are traditional to Victoria and I love to blend this technique with colour palettes inspired by art greats such as Rembrandt.
“I come from a family where art is so important, and rely on dreamstate to tell my stories through my pieces while aiming to keep it aesthetically pleasing.”
Mr Day has been commissioned by the Victorian Parliament to create a piece to be displayed in Parliament House.
Greg James has a building background, and one of his beautiful pieces on display has been inspired by his work in that field.
“Drawing from when we were building an aged care facility and I was site supervisor inspired this art. There were so many different cultures working together. This piece represents laying the foundations of the building, the building blocks if you will, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people working together,” said Mr James.
In regards to his other pieces, “Journey to Country is inspired by my journey to other states and communities throughout Australia, and this other piece here is my family tree and the connections to other families.”
Holly McLennan-Brown’s work is delicate, feminine and inspirational. She uses art to nurture her spirit and connection to culture. With themes of the connection between mother and child, creative spirit and other representations of self-reflection and affirmation, her use of pink and pastels invokes a sense of calm.
To view the exhibition, visit MEAC, located at 23 Alexandra Street, Mooroopna.
