IMAGE: Deanne Gilson (Wadawurrung), Wurring Wurring, Malka Shield (Inspired by Traditional Marks of a Male Elder Shield Design), 2019, white ceremonial ochre, wattle tree sap, red ochre, pink ochre, acrylic, gold leaf on Belgian linen, 120 x 150 cm, courtesy of the artist. Photograph Andrew Curtis
Wilam Biik
Curated by Stacie Piper
24 Feb – 3 June 2023
Gallery 4, 5 & 6
Artists: Paola Balla (Wemba Wemba, Gundjitmara), Deanne Gilson (Wadawurrung), Kent Morris (Barkindji), Glenda Nicholls (Ngarrindjeri and Yorta Yorta), Steven Rhall (Taungurung), Nannette Shaw (Tyereelore, Trawoolway, Bunurong), Kim Wandin (Wurundjeri), Lewis Wandin-Bursill (Wurundjeri/Woi-wurrung), Arika Waulu (Gunditjmara, Djapwurrung, Gunnai), and the Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri Women’s Dance Group (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, Ngurai Illum-Wurrung).
In the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, Wilam Biik means Home Country.
How do we see Country? How do we listen to Country? How do we connect to Country?
You are called to listen deeply with your ears, eyes and hearts– to understand how First People connect with Wilam Biik.
Wilam Biik is the Soil, the Land, the Water, the Air, the Sky and the Animals that reside within. It is the only home we know, and we honour it for its sacred exchange. A home where Custodial rights and responsibilities never left.
An exhibition of cultural consciousness and knowledge, of an unsevered connection between First Peoples of Southeast Australia and their Country, over thousands of generations.
“Our hope is that you walk away in awe of the beauty of Country, and empowered with a personal sense of connection and responsibility to care for it as we always have.” Stacie Piper, First Nations Curator.
WILAM BIIK is a TarraWarra Museum of Art exhibition touring with NETS Victoria, curated by Stacie Piper.
This project has been assisted by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
