A new Redfern exhibition showcases the transformative work of First Nations artists from the Northern Territory’s Barkly Tablelands, where discarded metal from old mining sites has been turned into powerful expressions of cultural connection to Country.
Art from the Heart of Australia
The exhibition, titled “Reclaimed | Art from the Barkly,” is being held at Art Leven Gallery on Thurlow Street, Redfern, and will run from 23 November to 14 December 2024. The opening event on 23 November, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, will feature artists Susie Peterson and Dalery Bredd, who will be present to discuss their work.
The Barkly Tablelands, a remote region of over 320,000 square kilometres in the Northern Territory, is home to a vibrant community of over 50 First Nations artists. The collective draws inspiration from the region’s vivid landscapes, marked by red earth, endless blue skies, and diverse flora. These natural elements, deeply intertwined with the artists’ cultural heritage, are central to the works on display.
Art Born from Adversity
At the heart of the exhibition is a collection of artworks painted on reclaimed metal objects sourced from abandoned mining sites around Tennant Creek. Once symbols of environmental exploitation, these materials have been transformed into evocative pieces that celebrate resilience and regeneration. Reusing industrial debris aligns with the artists’ enduring connection to their land and commitment to preserving its story.
Emerson Radisich, the Visual Arts Director of Barkly Regional Arts, explained that many materials initially came from everyday items such as buckets but were soon expanded to include other discarded items from the area’s mining history. Radisich highlighted how this process reflects creativity and the community’s relationship with their environment.
A Celebration of Culture and Unity
The “Reclaimed” exhibition features the work of sixteen artists who represent the broader Barkly collective, celebrating their individual artistic styles and their shared cultural heritage. The initiative fosters a sense of unity, bringing together artists from remote communities such as Wutunugurra (Epenarra), Owairtilla (Canteen Creek), and Kulumindini (Elliott).
Through this exhibition, organisers aim to invite audiences in Redfern and beyond to appreciate the enduring beauty of the Barkly Tablelands and to reflect on the deep connections between culture, land, and history.
Published 18-Nov-2024