A POWERFUL multimedia piece that reflects on women's 'connection to country' and their role as knowledge holders of customs and traditions will be officially unveiled at Powerhouse Place later this month.
The Yennaga Yettang/Come See Project will screen for the first time from 6.30pm on Friday 24 November, with the community invited to help celebrate.
The visually stunning piece, created by acclaimed artist Maree Clarke, was shot on Latje Latje and Ngintait Country in the Mildura Rural City Council Local Government Area.
Accompanying the visuals is a unique choral arrangement developed with local young women under the guidance of musical talents Catherine Threlfall and Merilyn Air.
Artists and contributors behind the project will screen the piece on the Powerhouse Place building, utilising the new on-site projector.
A community celebration will follow the unveiling, and live entertainment and food.
Lead artist Maree Clarke is a Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Boonwurrung woman from Mildura, and is a multi-disciplinary artist.
Her career spans more than 30 years as an artist/curator and Artistic Director working with, and nurturing and promoting, the diversity of contemporary southeast Aboriginal artists.
Maree is a pivotal figure in the reclamation and promotion of southeast Australian Aboriginal art practices.
Her continuing desire to affirm and reconnect with her cultural heritage has seen her give new life to traditional material culture, such as possum skin cloaks, together with the production of contemporary necklace designs, using kangaroo teeth, river reeds, echidna quills, as well as more contemporary materials, including glass.
Her multi-media installations including photography, sculpture and video, further explore the customary ceremonies and rituals of her ancestors.
Maree's work has featured centrally in many exhibitions across Australia and is the focus of a major career survey, 'Ancestral Memories', currently at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.
Councillor for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Healy said the Yennaga Yettang/Come See Project was a truly inspiring and moving piece.
"Maree and the team behind the artwork have producing something truly captivating," she said.
"This launch is not only a celebration of this amazing tribute to our local First Nation's communities, but to the women who help drive those communities and their traditions and cultures.
"I can't wait for the wider community to see this piece."
The Yennaga Yettang/Come See Project will become a regular feature of Powerhouse Place following the launch and will be screened at sunset each night.
Yennaga Yettang/Come See was part of the Victorian Women's Public Art Program and was supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and the Mildura Rural City Council.
"This powerful artwork is the sixth project in the Victorian Women's Public Art Program, which is ensuring the significant achievements of Victorian women are better represented and recognised," Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples Christine Couzens MP said.
"I congratulate all the artists and community members involved in the making of this truly collaborative, beautiful artwork that pays stunning tribute to First Nations women's connection to Country."
Funding
- Victorian Women's Public Art Project Grant - $109,000
- Regional Tourism Investment Fund - $89,926
- Mildura Rural City Council - $23,737
