The ‘Our heroes, way more than 50 years deadly’ exhibition is opening at Foundry Arts Space.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
A powerful exhibition celebrating Indigenous men’s art and traditions is on at the Foundry Arts Space.
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Running as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, the exhibition is open until Sunday, July 12.
Yorta Yorta woman Vicki Walker, who has been organising NAIDOC Week exhibitions at the Foundry for 15 years, said the 2026 showcase would focus exclusively on men.
“In 2025, we did all women, so this year we are doing all the men, with an exhibition called ‘Our heroes, way more than 50 years deadly’,” Aunty Vicki said.
“We think our men, going back, have been deadly for way longer than that.
A wall of fame makes up part of the exhibition.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“We are going to have a wall of fame, which are pieces that aren't for sale, about our athletes, our musicians, our artists, our shearers that have come from Yorta Yorta country.
“There will be a photographic exhibition and some other pieces from what we like to call our heroes, our elders, our old people.”
Community involvement forms a central part of the exhibition, with local male artists contributing works in various mediums.
“Anyone who is part of the community will be allowed to submit work,” Aunty Vicki said.
“We will reach out to other Yorta Yorta artists who don't live on country anymore but are always part of country.”
Students from St Joseph’s College will also take part through workshops and performances, with one student performing on the Yidaki during the opening night.
“I do a bit of work with St Joseph’s College and I’m going to be doing some art with the male students in the next few weeks,” Aunty Vicki said.
The exhibition is open until July 12.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“That will include some fabulous framed photographic landscapes from one of the students in particular, who is phenomenal at photography.
“Then there will be other students that I am doing workshops with, making beautiful little possum skin pieces that will be burnt and framed for sale on the night as well.”
The official opening night on Friday, June 19, from 6pm, will feature traditional food, including kangaroo, wattleseed, Davidson plum and lemon myrtle, with everyone being welcome to attend.
‘Our heroes, way more than 50 years deadly’ is on at the Foundry Arts Space, 13-17 Murray Esplanade, Echuca, until Sunday, July 12.
An official opening of the exhibit will be held on June 19.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Note: The dates of ‘Our heroes, way more than 50 years deadly’ published in the What’s On — winter magazine are no longer correct. The Riv has confirmed the new dates of the exhibition with organisers.
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