Indigenous art legacy celebrated at Foundry opening night

Co-ordinated by artist and Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Dja Dja Wurrung and Kamilaroi woman Merring-Jippa Murray, the exhibition celebrates Indigenous women’s art and weaving traditions.

Aunty Denise Morgan-Bulled, who exhibited a wide range of weaved pieces she created and has been gifted, said it was a special night for her and the next generation.

“I was given, by my Elder, the privilege of knowing and doing the basket weaving. I think it’s something that I now need to do, and that’s what I have been doing,” she said.

“Our basket culture, our strength and our artistic knowledge base with our people is still going. It’s still here. We have not lost it, and we’re not ever going to lose it.”

Aunty Vicki Walker gave a Welcome to Country, and paid her respect to all Elders across the Yorta Yorta nation.

“We always need to acknowledge our Elders because of the work that they've done to pave the way to give us the opportunities that we have today,” she said.

“We all have the same goals for our children, and our children’s children.”

The Foundry chair Judi Lawler thanked the group of curators, artists and crowd for their support, and said the organisation was glad to be displaying the works.

“We’re very proud, as The Foundry, to be part of NAIDOC Week and to present this fantastic, eclectic, interesting and quite unique exhibition,” she said.

“It’s lovely to have everyone and such a big crowd honouring this evening.”

After speeches were given, the Dhungala Yalka, or River Children, dance group performed a spirit animal and water dance.

All four members are proud Yorta Yorta girls, and wore traditional items for the performance.

Attendees enjoyed complimentary drinks and a food platter while viewing the wide range of pieces on display, including paintings, prints and weaved items.

The Our Women, Our Strength exhibition is on display at the Foundry Arts Space now until Sunday, August 3.