Reclaim and Sustain at Counihan Gallery

Media Release from Cr Oscar Yildiz, Moreland Mayor

Wednesday 20 April 2011, Moreland City Council

Reclaim and Sustain is an exhibition that explores the idea of Indigenous cultural reclamation and sustainability in the year 2011.

“At the heart of this exhibition is the attempt to foster reconciliation and to generate a greater appreciation of Indigenous art, cultures, traditions and experiences,” Mayor Oscar Yildiz said about the exhibition.

Twenty years ago, renowned Australian artist, Lin Onus said that Indigenous artists had a responsibility to the wider Indigenous community to assist with reclaiming, sustaining and building Indigenous cultures, languages and traditions.

Reflecting on this statement, what is the role of the artist in 2011? Is it still paramount that Indigenous artists are involved in the process of cultural revival, survival and construction? A new exhibition at the Counihan Gallery In Brunswick seeks to address these questions.

Curated in celebration of Reconciliation Week 2011, Reclaim and Sustain will focus on the work of artists from South-Eastern Australia involved in the ongoing project of reclaiming, sustaining and building Indigenous cultures and traditions. Artists include Megan Cadd, Maree Clarke, Vicky Couzens, Lee Darroch, Robyne Latham, Brian McKinnon and Mandy Nicholson.

Reclaim and Sustain will be accompanied by a free public program including creative workshops for children on Saturday 21 May by Yarn Stong Sista and a free public forum, ‘Reclaiming, Sustaining and Building Cultures’ on Saturday 28 May 2011. For more information about the exhibition and public programs contact the Gallery on 9389 8622.

Reclaim and Sustain will be officially opened on Thursday 12 May at 6 pm with a welcome to country by a Wurundjeri Council representative, followed by Deputy Mayor Cr Alice Pryor and Sharon Paten, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust.

The exhibition will continue at the Counihan Gallery until Sunday 5 June 2011.