Making objects from clay extends back thousands of generations among Australia’s First Peoples. Much has been passed down from generation to generation, and this knowledge manifests in the present, draws on the past, and extends into the future.
Fired Up: Stories Through Embers and Earth by Victorian First Peoples designers is an exhibition curated by and first shown at the Koorie Heritage Trust in 2023/24 and is grounded in Community, Country and Place and explores the possibilities of clay as a design and storytelling medium. The works in the exhibition were created through the KHT's annual Blak Design Program.
The exhibition features seven of nine designers who participated in the third iteration of the Program in 2023, which brought together participants under the mentorship of ceramicists Janet Fieldhouse (Torres Strait Islander) and David Ray. The Program provides an opportunity for talented, Victorian-based First Peoples artists and designers to further develop their individual skills and professional practice, whilst fostering broader design collaboration.
We acknowledge and thank the participating artists and designers who are showing in Fired Up at Kingston Arts: Annie Brigdale (Yorta Yorta), Suzanne Connelly-Klidomitis (Wiradjuri), Trina Dalton-Oogjes (Wadawurrung, Gunditjmara), Mick Harding (Taungurung), Darcy McConnell (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta), Sean Miller (Gamilaroi) and Corina Muir (Yorta Yorta, Boonwurrung). The full list of designers in the 2023 Blak Design Program can be found here.
Fired Up: Stories Through Embers and Earth is presented by the Koorie Heritage Trust with the generous support of Creative Victoria, City of Melbourne, the Australian Government Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support, the Australian Government through Creative Australia, and ANZ Bank. The KHT’s Blak Design Program is made possible through the generous support of The Ian Potter Foundation and RMIT University.
NAIDOC Exhibitions Opening
Kingston Arts welcome you to join us as we celebrate three exhibitions presented in recognition of NAIDOC Week on Saturday 6 July, 1pm – 3pm at the Kingston Arts Centre, 979 – 985 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin. A Welcome to Country will be delivered by the Bunurong Land Council.
Kingston Arts are proud to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to exhibit in the galleries. We strive to champion local talents across the year, and recognise NAIDOC Week as a time where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, performance, music and cultures can be celebrated and enjoyed amongst all communities. By sharing cultures in this way, we hope to provide information and raise awareness of the rich and significant cultures of the First Peoples of Australia.
ABOUT NAIDOC WEEK
National NAIDOC Week (7 July to 14 July 2024) celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s an opportunity for everyone to learn about First Nations cultures, histories and participate in celebrations.
Annie Brigdale (Yorta Yorta), Unearthing Roots: A Journey of Disconnection and Reconnection, 2023.
Collection of the artist. Courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust. Photograph by Christian Capurro
Corina Muir (Yorta Yorta, Boon Wurrung), Non Linear Depths, 2023.
Collection of the Koorie Heritage Trust. Courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust. Photograph by Christian Capurro
Darcy McConnell (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta), After You, 2023.
Collection of the artist. Courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust. Photograph by Christian Capurro
Suzanne Connelly-Klidomitis (Wiradjuri), 7 sistas (detail), 2023
Collection of the Koorie Heritage Trust. Courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust. Photograph by Christian Capurro
Trina Dalton-Oogjes (Waddawurrung, Gundjitmara), Interweaving Traditions, 2023
Collection of the Koorie Heritage Trust, Courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust. Photograph by Christian Capurro
Mick Harding (Taungurung), Dharnuk joined by copper, 2023
Collection of the artist. Courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust. Photograph by Christian Capurro
Sean Miller (Gamilaroi), How Waan turned Black (detail), 2023.
Collection of the artist. Courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust. Photograph by Christian Capurro
ACCESS
G1 and G2 Galleries are wheelchair accessible and accessible toilets are available.