MATRIARCHS

2020

The absence of women in historical narrative has left a skewed perception of history. Gender ideologies and patriarchal relations have influenced historical literature. How different would our written record of history be if women wrote the books?
Ask the women in Australia's remote communities about history. Many are fiercely proud, community leaders and keepers of women's law. They are warriors of survival and take charge in shaping a better life for their families, communities and themselves. Most were born on their country, some pre-contact, and all have witnessed extraordinary challenges in their lives. They sing to remember and connect with the ancestors; as present today as they were 40,000 years ago. They travel to remote and sacred sites to renew women's lore through song and dance - the same journey undertaken by generations before them.
The artworks in this exhibition, like books in a library, tell those stories. And the artists, like the authors, share their history. They are MATRIARCHS and they epitomise strength and courage. They have witnessed tragedy and experienced trauma but against the tide of adversity they continue to be resilient, stoic and proud. They are the keepers of lore and the authors (artists) of history.
The exhibition runs from 6 - 28 March
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