Art group unveils latest exhibition

KOORIE art collective Pitcha Maken Fellas are set to open their new exhibition at the Ballarat Art Gallery.

Opening 1 August, Join the Club is a tongue-in-cheek look at the AFL through the lens of a group of First Nations creatives.

In 2016, the art group were commissioned by the Western Bulldogs to produce their Indigenous round jumper. The design went on to be used further without authorisation, allowing them a unique standpoint to scrutinise the football industry.

The exhibit includes a series of portraits of various characters in and around the game painted with the group’s signature bright colours, heavy patterning and touch of humour.

Pitcha Maken Fellas artist Adrien Rigney said the idea for the paintings came before the jumper incident and that they had always been interested in the AFL.

“I guess we just like picking on the them a little,” he said. “It’s just poking fun in a good way, no bad intentions or anything like that.”

In addition to the portrayals, three large canvases also span across the show depicting Indigenous styled maps of both the AFL teams and the Indigenous clans of Australia.

Pitcha Maken Fellas original member Ted Laxton said these core pieces show the distinctions and relationships between the two communities.

“Our newest member, Trudy Edgely and I did the middle one which shows the footy teams and how they are connected,” he said.

“The two outside ones represent the Aboriginal community in Victoria and Australia and how they all join up.

“With the AFL now having players in various teams who are Aboriginals, we thought it was appropriate to have the two maps next to each other weaving into another.”

Aside from their artistic involvement, several group members also have a history of professionally playing the game.

Pitcha Maken Fella Thomas Markx said he used to love the AFL and playing footy in his younger years.

“I was nearly drafted into the AFL for Hawthorn or St Kilda in the 80s when I was playing for Frankston at the time,” he said.

“That’s where my love of football pretty much started.”

The show also includes a subtle nod towards the regional origins of the game being located just kilometres from the Gallery itself.

Beyond the art and participation, there’s a cultural investment for the group as many believe AFL originated from a game played by First Australians with a possum skin ball.

Pitcha Maken Fellas coordinator Pete Widmer said that this link underpins the groups artistic representation of Aussie rules.

“The fact that the game originated not far from here in Moyston is an important aspect of the show,” he said. “It’s a black fella game, it was invented for them by them.”

Mr Markx added, “Maybe that’s why we’re so good at it.”

Secure a free ticket to see Join the Club at artgalleryofballarat.com.au.