Dhelk Djakitj opens at Djaa Djuwima

A NEW exhibition at the Djaa Djuwima First Nations Gallery at the Bendigo Visitor Centre in Pall Mall – Dhelk Djakitj – is now open and will run until September.

Dhelk Djakitj means nourishing food in Dja Dja Wurrung language, and the exhibition is inspired by bush tucker.

It is the first showcase for newly appointed Djaa Djuwima curator and arts officer First Nations, Michellie Charvat.

Twelve artists are exhibiting their work following a recent visit to the Me-Mandook Galk education place in Chewton, where bush tucker farm Nalderun is located.

Ms Charvat said she was delighted to be involved at the start of the creative process with the exhibitors.

“It was a wonderful visit to the Me-Mandook Galk education place, which inspired the artists in so many different ways,” she said.

“They had the opportunity to learn about the bush tucker that Nalderun is growing and harvesting, to ask questions and gain a great deal of inspiration from the farm and surrounding area on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. They then developed their artworks to reflect their diverse experience, personal connections to bush tucker through traditional and contemporary art forms such as painting on canvas, digital art, creating coolamons (traditional, multi-purpose shallow vessels or dishes) out of traditional and natural fibres, and contemporary craft forms such as beading.

“The free exhibition is a brilliant display of artworks exploring bush tucker and the personal connections to food and culture.

“It is also a wonderful collaboration, celebrating the region’s designation as Australia’s first Creative City of Gastronomy at Djaa Djuwima.”

The Dhelk Djakitj exhibition at Djaa Djuwima in Pall Mall is open from 9am to 4.30pm daily.