Arts & Events

Naminma is an exhibition featuring emerging and established Indigenous artists currently studying at the University of New South Wales College of Fine Arts.

The College of Fine Arts (COFA) at the University of New South Wales, has a reputation of producing great artists. For this exhibition the Nura Gili Indigenous Program and Indigenous students of COFA created a unique 'Naminma' ('show’ in Dharug), celebrating the artist’s representations of their identity, community and connection to land. The exhibition is a part of the University's 'Indigenous Week' celebrations.

The exhibition included a selection of paintings, jewellery, sculptures and photographs. The Indigenous artist have come from all over Australia to study art at COFA. Dorcy Smith, a Dunghutti and Gambaingaair man from the North Coast of New South Wales exhibited carvings and paintings that represent aspects of his life and history. His painting 'The Tree of Life', a set of three, tells a story of two different tribes. It explores ‘greed’ and its effects on people.

Separate displays of brilliant photography and jewellery by Anastasia Charles, Lucy Simpson, Claire Bridges and Kimberley Newton convey their interpretations of community, belonging and identity. Kim Holten, creator of ‘Heart of My Country’ and five other works, said her work expresses feelings and identity, "I like to think that my work shows stories about feelings. A lot of that is recognition and identity about where you come from and who you come from and then moving forward through that - but utilizing all of that history you have."

The artists involved in Naminma all have ambitious plans for the future. Teho Ropeyarn, an Angkamuthi, Woppaburra and Badjtala man from Cape York is now in his final year at COFA. Teho plans to return home and establish an Arts and Cultural Centre for his community. One of his exhibits gives his interpretation of the Aboriginal flag. He believes that his artwork offers an alternative way of looking at the flag to “draw from its meaning”.

More Information
The exhibition runs from the 28 - 31 May.