For Our Elders NAIDOC Exhibition

by | Jul 2, 2023 | What's On | 0 comments

For our elders

Eden Young – Guest Writer

This NAIDOC Week, discover breathtaking Indigenous art when you step into the foyer of 1 Denison and immerse yourself in For Our Elders, an exhibition in partnership with Bluethumb. 

For our elders
1 Denison’s lobby has been transformed in honour of NAIDOC week and features artwork by Karen Lee Mungarrja.

With fifteen powerful artworks on display until August 25th, explore how contemporary Indigenous artists use traditional techniques passed down for generations to express and preserve identity, culture and deep connection to the land. The exhibition is open from 7:30 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday.

For our elders
Grab a coffee, relax and admire the Indigenous artwork by Warlukurlangu artists at 1 Denison.

This exhibition honours past and present Indigenous Elders and features artwork from Warlukurlangu Art Centre, the longest-running Aboriginal-owned art centre in Central Australia, supporting the remote community of Yuendumu since 1985. 

For our elders 1 denison
Wiradjuri artist Karen Lee Mungarrja’s artwork is on display until August 25th.

Also on display is Sydney-based artist Karen Lee Mungarrja, a Wiradjuri (People of the Three Rivers) artist of the Tubba-Gah clan. Through her art practice, Karen explores her Elders’ tangible and spiritual legacy and their lasting contribution to culture. “Aboriginal peoples have walked this country for thousands of years,” says Karen. “I challenge the idea of the ‘past’ as something no longer existing. I believe it remains in our memory and the land. In what we see and what we cannot.” 

For our elders
Karen Lee Mungarrja lives and creates on Darug Country in Penrith, NSW.

“Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families,” says the 2023 National NAIDOC Week theme announcement. 

“They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones. “

For our elders
Lappi Lappi Jukurrpa by Warlukurlangu artist Antonia Napangardi Michaels.

As part of the For Our Elders exhibition, 1 Denison invites you to ‘Cork & Canvas’, a creative evening with exhibiting artist Karen Lee Mungarrja. Come along and make a special artwork of your own to take home, and learn about Indigenous art symbols from one of Australia’s most notable Indigenous artists. 

For our elders
Learn about Indigenous art symbols from Karen Lee this NAIDOC week.
  • What: Cork & Canvas
  • When: Wednesday 5th July, 5pm – 6:30pm
  • Where: BarLume, 1 Denison, North Sydney
  • Karen Lee is also holding Artist Talks on Tuesday the 4th and Thursday the 6th of July.