Where They Walked: Kylie Caldwell, Nickolla Clark, Luke Close, Jenn Rowe
30 September - 28 October 2023
Where they walked is an exhibition of four First Nations artists, Kylie Caldwell (Bundjalung, Casino), Luke Close (Githabul, Woodenbong), Nickolla Clark (Arakwal, Byron Bay), and Jenn Rowe (Trawlwoolway, Tasmania), all living and working in the Northern Rivers, on Bundjalung country, but reflecting on their traditional lands and roots.Much Indigenous culture has been tragically eroded by colonisation. However, despite active and passive efforts to erase First Nations people from Australia, Aboriginal culture and knowledge remain powerfully present.
In this exhibition, the artists summon the voices of their ancestors, reclaiming lost traditional knowledge. By collecting ochres and weaving with fibres that the ancestors once felt in their fingers and applied to use, they learn practices suppressed by the circumstances of colonisation. By visiting the same waterways, spending time on country, and speaking and listening to Elders, they walk where their ancestors walked. By walking in the same tracks, these tracks get deeper.
In looking back, the artists also look forward and declare that First Nations people are still here. They walk on, keeping culture alive, and advocate for gentler, more sustainable custodianship of the land.
Image left: Kylie Caldwell, My nan used to weave! 2023 (detail), watercolor paper, black tea, cotton thread, cardboard, 42 x 29.7cm, courtesy the artist
Preview image: Jennifer Rowe, Ocean Treasure 2021, driftwood and salt and freshwater pearls, 25 x 20 x 60cm. Courtesy of the artist.
Publications by Arts Northern Rivers are available to purchase at the gallery or over the phone at 02 6627 4600.
Bundjalung Weavers, BULAAN BURUUGAA NGALI… We Weave Together $50.00
OUR WAY STORIES, Told by Indigenous Elders of the Northern Rivers NSW $50.00
