Circle to us is an exploration of gender in Aboriginal communities. It reflects on reclaiming and holding spaces for the representation and diversity of Aboriginal lived experiences. Informed by stories of the past, the exhibition explores themes of learning gender roles and responsibilities and acknowledges Aboriginal gender diversity.
Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Italian curator and writer Dominic Guerrera has selected nineteen artworks from Flinders University Museum of Art’s contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection which speak to personal exploration of these foundational concepts as well as the intrusion of colonialism which inflects them. To further the dialogue, Guerrera has commissioned three emerging Aboriginal writers to speak powerful words in response to his theme. Their readings feature alongside the exhibition at Nexus Gallery.
Background
Dominic Guerrera’s vision is to enable viewers to see Aboriginal art through the lens of gender. It is to inspire Aboriginal people to think more about gender roles within communities and how these roles shape all Aboriginal peoples’ identities. The exhibition is intended to speak first and foremost to Aboriginal people while also allowing non-Aboriginal people to gain insight. Guerrera has selected works that reflect to Aboriginal viewers their own experiences and culture, and create a space that speaks to the shaping and identifying of their gender roles and expectations. Above all else, his goal is to make sure the exhibition feels Aboriginal, not just looks Aboriginal.
Nexus Arts will launch circle to us, an exhibition presented in partnership with Flinders University Museum of Art, in our Lion Arts Centre Gallery and on a newly commissioned website: www.nexusartsgallery.com.
Additionally, Guerrera has invited three emerging local Aboriginal writers to reflect on his exhibition, its themes and its individual works. These compositions have been recorded for inclusion in our online gallery. These pieces will also be published online by fineprint magazine: www.fineprintmagazine.com, in a special dossier, accompanied by an essay which speaks to the magazine’s current edition titled ‘Governance’.
The exhibition and commissions are presented with thanks to funding from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, with generous support from our Presenting Partner, Flinders University Museum of Art.
