Wurrdha Marra, a new gallery dedicated to First Nations art and design, is set to open at the National Gallery of Victoria’s Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square next month. The exhibition space is set to be a permanent but ever-changing display to showcase new and existing work from NGV’s First Nations art and design collection.
In the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language, “Wurrdha Marra” translates to “Many Mobs.” This name aptly reflects the essence of this space, as it serves the purpose of showcasing the creative endeavors of First Nations artists throughout various times and locations.
For Indigenous peoples globally, the realms of art and design constitute an unbroken continuum where the historical interweaves with the contemporary, where diverse materials converge, and where a multitude of perspectives harmonize.
The pivotal role of art in the transmission of crucial cultural wisdom is celebrated within this exhibition, exemplified by the varied approaches artists employ to preserve and rejuvenate customary cultural practices and symbolism while also forging novel avenues of expression.
The pieces featured in this inaugural exhibition represent a spectrum of talent, encompassing both emerging artists and esteemed figures spanning different eras and regions. Each of these artists has played a distinctive role in pioneering fresh forms of artistic expression.
Wurrdha Marra opens on 12 October 2023. Entry is free.
