Art as resistance
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Curators’ acknowledgement
“We pay our respects and dedicate the Unsettled exhibition to the people and other Beings who keep the law of this land; to the Elders and Traditional Owners of all the knowledges, places, and stories in this exhibition; and to the Ancestors and Old People for their resilience and guidance.
We advise that there are some confronting topics addressed in this exhibition, including massacres and genocide. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be advised that there may be images of people who have passed away.”
Laura McBride and Dr Mariko Smith, 2021.
Art as resistance
First Nations peoples have historically used creative forms of expression as acts of resistance against colonial legacies. Through art, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are able to empower and elevate their voices and bring attention to issues of sovereignty, self-determination, and cultural strength.
I believe that any expression of Aboriginal art, be it traditional or contemporary is an act of political defiance. So much time and effort, two hundred years of very concerted effort to destroy Aboriginality and Aboriginal culture has gone into this country. The fact that Aboriginal culture does remain a living thing in itself is an extraordinary political statement, about their resilience, their adaptability and their tremendous willpower. Dr Gary Foley, Gumbainggir, 1988.
Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land 2018
Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land 2018
Charlotte Allingham (Coffin Birth), Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa.
Reproduction of the artwork.
Australian Museum Collection Digital Acquisition.
© Charlotte Allingham
Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land 2018
Charlotte Allingham (Coffin Birth), Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa.
Reproduction of the artwork.
Australian Museum Collection Digital Acquisition.
Being apolitical upholds and supports the systematic oppression of First Nations peoples. You are part of the problem. You are profiting off our lands, our suffering and you need to take accountability. Be better. Charlotte Allingham, Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa, 2020.
Never Needed 2018
Never Needed 2018
Charlotte Allingham (Coffin Birth), Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa.
Reproduction of the artwork.
Australian Museum Collection Digital Acquisition.
© Charlotte Allingham
Never Needed 2018
Charlotte Allingham (Coffin Birth), Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa.
Reproduction of the artwork.
Australian Museum Collection Digital Acquisition.
Notice 2020
Notice 2020
Charlotte Allingham (Coffin Birth), Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa.
Reproduction of the artwork. Australian Museum Collection Digital Acquisition.
© Charlotte Allingham
Notice 2020
Charlotte Allingham (Coffin Birth), Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa.
Reproduction of the artwork. Australian Museum Collection Digital Acquisition.
