First exhibit for First Nations group

A NEW exhibition launched today highlighting the creativity of the local Wadawurrung community.

Organised by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, the 50-piece show launched on Thursday at the Mercure where it will be on display until Wednesday, 30 November.

One of the artists, Jenna Oldaker, contributed four acrylic paintings to the display.

“One’s of an echidna, another tells the story about Parrwang the magpie bringing the first dawn, and one’s a NAIDOC-inspired piece,” Oldaker said.

“All my pieces are named in traditional Wadawurrung language with their own story, as well as a way of educating and trying to get more out there about our culture and heritage.

“The exhibit itself is a real mixture of everything though. It’s really eclectic and unique and I think that makes it really exciting to have in Ballarat.”

The works include paper art, acrylic on canvas, a croquet sculpture, a possum and emu feather rug, and macrame wall hangings.

The exhibition is a first for the corporation and Ms Oldaker said it’s a great way to highlight the creativity of the Wadawurrung community.

“Because it’s the first time there’s ever been something like this, it’s a real opportunity to be able to bring a lot of our members of our community and just showcase what Wadawurrung has to offer,” she said.

“It’s giving a platform for them to show their art and I think you just won’t see a mixture of so many unique and exciting forms of art in one place like this.”

Art featured in the exhibition will be available for purchase.