Aboriginal struggle honoured in exhibition

Aboriginal struggle honoured in exhibition

SYDNEY — A portrait of Aboriginal activist Jenny Munro has been selected to hang in the exhibition currently on display at the S.H. Ervin Gallery. The portrait, by Sydney artist Mandy King, is an entry for this year's Portia Geach Memorial Award.

The portrait is a collage of Munro and images of Wiradjuri history symbolising their resistance. Included is the city building in which the first "Day of Mourning and Protest" meeting was held by Aboriginal people, on Australia Day, 1938. The Heritage Council has recently announced it will review its decision to allow the demolition of the building.

Munro, a member of the Wiradjuri people, is chairperson of the Sydney Aboriginal Land Council and chairperson of the National Aboriginal History and Heritage Council.

Artist Mandy King is also a documentary film maker. Her film work centres on people and issues that receive little public recognition. With Fabio Cavadini, she is now producing a documentary which provides a rare and revealing insight into life in the blockaded areas of Bougainville.

The Portia Geach Memorial Award exhibition continues until November 16 at the S.H. Ervin Gallery, Watson Road, the Rocks.

From GLW issue 294