Photo: Supplied.
FROM MORETON BAY COLLEGE
To commemorate the 120 Year anniversary of Moreton Bay College (MBC), the college commissioned renowned Indigenous artists Sonja and Leecee Carmichael, both Ngugi women belonging to the Quandamooka people, to collaboratively produce a bespoke cyanotype: Girl on Country – Jundal Djara.
“We are honoured to work with Sonja and Leecee, two exceptional artists who have shared with us the art of Quandamooka weaving and have created with us this magnificent cyanotype,” said Mrs Janet Stewart, Principal, Moreton Bay College.
“It’s exciting to be involved in contemporary indigenous art as it reflects our commitment toward strengthening the relationship with the local Aboriginal Community and the ongoing process of reconciliation.”
The cyanotype embodies the narrative of connection to people, place and objects. Panel one encompasses the idea of place as nature using natural objects collected from around the College and woven items created by students, parents and staff. Panel two represents place, people and objects, and includes archival objects and two students. The cyanotype creation workshop, supported by Renata Buziak, was held during NAIDOC week.
“It is about documenting our weaving stories in new ways,” said Sonja Carmichael. “By bringing images of our weaving into cyanotypes and using the elements required for the growth of our natural weaving fibres on country – water, sun and salt – we are able to extend our practice.”
“As a parent, it was a great privilege to be part of the creation of the cyanotype, and I am enormously proud of the school’s commitment to reconciliation through the arts,” said Alison Kubler, curator and writer, MBC parent, and member – Council of the National Gallery of Australia.
