EXHIBITION OPENING
Opening of the exhibition
“Country bin pull’em. Looking back together”
What significance does millennia-old rock art from Australia have today? What potential do historical collections hold for Indigenous communities, museums and post-colonial cooperation? The exhibition, which was developed on the initiative of the Wanjina Wunggurr community of north-west Australia and based on an international research collaboration, explores these questions. On display are monumental copies of rock paintings, historical expedition photos, ethnographic objects and contemporary works by Indigenous artists that were created in dialogue with the collections.
Welcome Smoking
Before entering the exhibition on the opening night, visitors will take part in a smoking ceremony by representatives of the Wanjina Wunggurr Community, which is explained by the Indigenous co-curators as follows:
“In our Country we welcome people to be there; we give them permission to be on our ground. Here we are welcoming you to come into this exhibition in a safe and comfortable way. This smoke is like a healing, a protection, an encouragement to grow and be free with your mind to experience the welcome that we are extending to you. It is an obligation we have; it is part of how we are, how we feel responsible for visitors’ mental and physical wellbeing and safety. Please come in and enjoy.”
(Co-Kuratorinnen Leah Umbagai und Rona Gungnunda Charles)
Further information about the exhibition.
Venue: Weltkulturen Museum, Schaumainkai 29