Artists collaborate for ‘thought-provoking’ exhibition
Two Wimmera artists will officially open a new exhibition exploring their connection to landscape through photography, in Horsham on Friday.
Works by Dimboola’s Gail Harradine – Wotjobaluk-jadawadjali-djubagalk – and Belinda Eckermann, Rainbow, include a possum skin cloak unique to the Mallee and are on show at Horsham Regional Art Gallery until August.
The artists’ first-time collaboration merges digital photography, entomological research, electron microscopy imaging and First Nations’ cultural practices, to share knowledge and connections to the landscape around Lake Albacutya — Ngalukgutya – in Victoria’s Mallee region.
Curated by Alison Eggleton, Mali marrng Mallee sky is an official exhibition of PHOTO 2022 International Festival of Photography.
The major biennial of new photography and ideas runs from April 29 to May 22 in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Under the theme Being Human, 123 artists explore the contemporary human condition in 90 exhibitions, alongside a program of talks, tours, workshops and film screenings.
Ms Eggleton said the Mali marrng Mallee sky exhibition was well worth a visit.
“This is a truly exciting new body of work by two established women artists
in the Wimmera-mallee region,” she said.
“Gail Harradine and Belinda Eckermann are exploring what it means to collaborate as a First Nations person and a non First Nations person, coming from different backgrounds but growing up in similar regions.
“It is an honour to exhibit such a thought-provoking and truly stunning series of photography and a unique Bardi grub tunnel lining-possum skin cloak.” Ms Eggleton said for some, connection to nature was almost tangible, influencing who people were and how they connected to others and themselves.
“In this exhibition, photography is a testing ground for the artists to explore ways of collaborating and what this means to them,” she said.
Central to this work, the possum skin cloak carries the stories of the past and present, placed on the shoulders of a young woman as she journeys through the country of the Wergaia and Wotjobaluk, across sand hills, grasses and dry lake beds.
Adorned on this cloak are tunnel linings from the earth, created by the Bardi grub, revealing a narrative of time and connection to landscape.
Entry to Friday’s official opening is free but bookings are required by calling 5382 9575 or emailing hrag@ hrcc.vic.gov.au.
The artists will speak at the event, which starts at 6pm, and people can visit website www.horshamtownhall. com.au for more information.