A MODERN culture we may live in, but there’s always room for tradition.
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A new exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal art at Arts Space Wodonga is blending these two concepts with some eye-catching results.
Traditional art practices meet modern materials to create the totem poles and hunting tools, paintings and photography, jewellery and woodwork showcased in Sharing Our Stories: We Are One.
“It’s a glorious mix,” grinned artist Darren Wighton, “and I hope to see more of it”.
Wighton, a familiar face on the Border’s arts scene and in the Aboriginal community, has contributed several pieces including a recycled guitar, dot paintings and a totem pole.
While each is rich in symbolism with nods to the tradition, the modernity in each piece is striking.
“As a Wiradjuri person from central NSW the stories of our culture and childhood are part and parcel of who we are, even though we live in the modern culture today,” Wighton said.
Fellow artist Tamara Murray took a different approach, using paint and textiles to create her one-of-a-kind headwear.
The exhibition opened yesterday and is on until March 28.
It is the fifth annual collective exhibition from the Aboriginal Artists Network.
