In support of shaping Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation, the National Gallery of Victoria celebrates Reconciliation Week with a curated a program of free virtual talks and interactive initiatives which can all be accessed from home.
Watch: Behind the Art of Destiny Deacon
Wednesday 27 May | 5.00 – 5.30 pm | Free, no bookings required
Discover the art of Kuku and Erub/Mer artist Destiny Deacon ahead of The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia retrospective exhibition DESTINY opening later this year. NGV Curator of Indigenous Art, Myles Russell-Cook will be in conversation with NGV Curator of Contemporary Art, Jane Devery to introduce audiences to the life and work of one of Australia’s boldest and most acclaimed contemporary artists, and discuss how Deacon uses tragedy and comedy in her art to make sense of the world around her.
Watch: In Conversation – Yhonnie Scarce & Edition Office
Monday 1 June | 2.00 – 3.00 pm | Free, no bookings required
Kokatha and Nukunu artist Yhonnie Scarce and Director of Melbourne architecture firm Edition Office, Aaron Roberts will join NGV Senior Curator Contemporary Design and Architecture, Ewan McEoin to reflect on Scarce and Edition Office’s architectural design titled In Absence 2019, the winner of the 2019 NGV Architecture Commission. The collaborative project combines Scarce’s creative practice investigating the effects of colonisation on Indigenous people with Edition Office’s contemporary architectural strategies to create a structure that champions traditional Aboriginal design, agriculture, and engineering.
Watch: Live In-Studio Visit with Lisa Waup
Wednesday 3 June | 6.00 – 6.30 pm | Free, no bookings required
As part of the NGV’s live in-studio artist visit series, Gunditjmara and Torres Strait Islander artist Lisa Waup will welcome viewers into her home studio to discuss her practice which involves weaving and printmaking. Using feathers and found objects Lisa creates woven vessels to represent her ancestral history and connection to country. During the live studio visit Lisa will be talking with NGV Curator of Indigenous Art, Hannah Presley about working in isolation and the changing nature of her role as Programs Coordinator at Mornington indigenous art centre, Baluk Arts, to support artists during the pandemic. Note: Available to watch on NGV’s Instagram on Wednesday 3 June at 6.00 pm and available to watch on NGV Channel following the livestream.
NGV Kids: Under 5s Reconciliation Week
Monday 25, Wednesday 27 & Friday 29 May | 10.00 – 10.20 am | Free, no bookings required
The virtual Under 5s program offers an opportunity to make art and discover works from the NGV Collection with online sessions suitable for children aged 2 – 5 years and their parents or carers. In this Reconciliation Week session, you can learn about Indigenous artist Julie Dowling and her work in the NGV Collection titled Federation Series 1901-2001. Then NGV Youth and Families Coordinator, Stephanie Pohlman will demonstrate a portrait making activity inspired by the artwork which viewers can follow using materials found at home.
NGV Teens: Industry Connections Reconciliation Week
Thursday 28 May | 4.00 – 5.00 pm | Free, no bookings required
Industry Connections gives teens the chance to meet artists, industry leaders and creatives in this online event series. Through informal discussion and illustrated presentations, find out about the industry, and gain insights into the diverse roles and opportunities available. During Reconciliation Week teens can tune in to learn about curating indigenous art from NGV’s Curator of Indigenous Art, Hannah Presley. The interactive format offers viewers an opportunity to submit questions about a career as a curator for Presley to answer.
Reconciliation Week 2020 runs 27 May – 3 June. For more information, visit: www.ngv.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Julie Dowling, Federation series: 1901-2001, 2001 synthetic polymer paint, earth pigments, metallic paint and glitter on canvas 60.6 × 50.6 cm National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased through the NGV Foundation with the assistance of Rupert Myer, Governor, 2001 © Julie Dowling/Licensed by Copyright Agency, Australia