NGURRUWARRA / DERNDERNYIN Artists in Conversation Panel Discussion

• Thursday 30 May 2024 | 11am-12pm
• Free, registration recommended
• Theatre, entry via Level 1.5 | Queensland Museum Kurilpa

Join artists from Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation, Mornington Island Art (MIArt), and researchers from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH), during National Reconciliation Week for a discussion on the ancient stories, relationships, and cultural significance of the large-scale commissioned artwork currently on display at Queensland Museum: NGURRUWARRA / DERNDERNYIN: Stone Fish Traps of the Wellesley Islands.

As part of the panel discussion, Sean Ulm, Distinguished Professor of Archaeology at James Cook University, will share insights into the collaborative relationship between Traditional Owners and researchers working on Country. The panel will also explore the scientific and cultural significance behind the traditional Indigenous technique of constructing stone-walled intertidal fish traps, believed to be the largest aquaculture structures built by Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Presented on a panoramic 20-metre-long by 2-metre-wide canvas, the artwork highlights stone-walled intertidal fish traps, which are central to Kaiadilt, Lardil, Yangkaal and Gangalidda culture, story and identity.
The artwork was created collaboratively by ten Kaiadilt, Lardil and Gangalidda artists. Each artist painted multiple sections of the canvas, with artists negotiating with each other to ensure continuity of story across the canvas. Between them, the artists, are custodians of a deep-seated knowledge of Country.

To learn more about the artwork currently on display, visit the exhibition page.

For accessibility assistance for this exhibition, please visit our accessibility page or contact the museum on (07) 3153 3000. Learn more.

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Host or Publisher Queensland Museum Kurilpa