MOUNT Gambier’s Main Corner has acknowledged the region’s Indigenous culture with multiple Reconciliation Week events held in the city.
A multitude of works crafted by indigenous artists currently adorn the Riddoch Art Gallery walls across two exhibitions in a show of respect to the culturally significant week.
“It gives us a chance to show what has been donated to the gallery over the years,” gallery director Dr Melentie Pandilovski said.
“Some artworks on display are not the prettiest scenes but are beautiful to look at and others are complete in traditional painting style.”
Artists such as Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Richard Bell and Tony Albert are on display as the gallery explores different styles of indigenous culture and art.
“We have water dreaming art, along with small paintings and larger paintings there is just a large variety,” Dr Pandilovski said, highlighting several other historically significant works were also exhibited.
“One shows an iconic photograph from the 1968 Olympic Games where Australian athlete Peter Norman stood beside African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos as they bowed their heads and raised their fists.”
The iconic painting is also followed by a critical investigative piece which challenges and explores ongoing racism within Australia.
It also explores stereotypical representation of Aboriginal culture.
The gallery launched its Play On: The Art of Sport exhibition last week, which includes many different pieces surrounding the sporting community.
“Play On was curated two or three years ago but because Reconciliation Week is usually around that time we thought we would collaborate some traditional pieces in as well,” Dr Pandilovski said.
“We have also expended our reconciliation collection to the foyer through showcasing the Punttu Prints and having Aunty Michelle Jacqueline-Furr’s childrens book Annie’s Story in a case with traditional items.”
Children are also able to get involved with an interactive display in the foyer.
“Children can trace their hands on a piece of paper before writing a message on it and placing it on our tree to show solidarity and reconciliation,” Dr Pandilovski said.
The exhibits will be on display until early August.
