Summer-long First Nations exhibition a must-see for locals and visitors alike

A FREE exhibition that stretches over the entire summer, perfect for escorting visitors to during the festive season, has been unveiled at Bendigo’s permanent First Nations Gallery, Djaa Djuwima.

Past, Present & Future brings together a collection of works from 18 local First Nations artists.

Over 25 pieces are on show, exploring the artists’ personal cultural identities, lived experiences and expressions of social/political commentary.

Many works offer visual commentary on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, artefacts and material culture, and trace powerful connections from the past, through the present and into the future.

City arts officer, First Nations and exhibition curator Michellie Charvat said the concept for the exhibition was inspired by this year’s NAIDOC week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy and the National Reconciliation week theme, Bridging now to next.

“Both reflect deeply on the past in honour of truth-telling and are anchored in the present, while offering hope for the future,” she said.

“Past, Present & Future is an important theme for Djaa Djuwima to hold space for and to offer exhibiting artists a platform to express themselves and their stories.

“As I reflected on both of the themes, I (realised) the commonality between them was past, present and future.

“So, the exhibition really came from those, and certainly in the face of what’s happening socially amongst First Nations communities and in the media with the referendum, No Vote and now looking at Treaty in Victoria.”

As part of her preparations for the exhibition, Charvat, a multi-disciplinary artist herself, created a large-lettered mural (which can be seen at the entrance to Djaa Djuwima) as inspiration for prospective exhibitors.

“The graphic was used as the (hero) image of the exhibition before we had the artists submit artwork,” she said.

“I designed (it) to encourage the artists to feel inspired to create or reflect on artwork that they already had that aligned (with it).”

Charvat said she feels the exhibition is a show that “must be seen.”

“I want to encourage people that when they do come, to really sit in the space and reflect on the themes and the stories that are embedded into all of the artworks,” she said. “It’s a show that demands time and attention, acknowledging that as you enter, it’s exploring really heavy (ideas).

“It’s exploring a history that’s still only just starting to be taught in a real way, and so I want to encourage the viewers to hold space for the emotions that they may feel (while) engaging with the works.

“I encourage them to really hold space for themselves in that, take care of themselves and revisit it as many times as they can.

“It’s a really brilliant show and it’s a really important story.”

Past, Present & Future continues until Monday 23 February at the Djaa Djuwima Gallery, located within the Bendigo Visitor Centre in Pall Mall.

The Gallery is open from 9am to 4.30pm every day (except Christmas Day).