La Biennale di Venezia, one of the world’s most prestigious cultural events, is set to showcase the diverse talents of Indigenous Australian artists Marlene Gilson and Naminapu Maymuru-White in its upcoming exhibition, “Foreigners Everywhere – Stranieri Ovunque.” Curated by Adriano Pedrosa, this highly anticipated event will run from April 20 to November 24, featuring captivating collections from Gilson and Maymuru-White. Celebrating Indigenous Voices: Marlene Gilson and Naminapu Maymuru-White at La Biennale di Venezia
Inclusion and Recognition: Supported by Creative Australia funding, Marlene Gilson and Naminapu Maymuru-White will take center stage alongside Gamilaroi and Bigambul artist Archie Moore and curator Ellie Buttrose in Venice. This recognition underscores the significance of Indigenous art on the global stage and highlights Australia’s commitment to celebrating Indigenous culture and heritage.
Naminapu Maymuru-White’s Celestial Narratives: Naminapu Maymuru-White, a distinguished Yolŋu artist, brings her ancestral stories to life through her mesmerizing artwork. Her pieces intricately depict the Milŋiyawuy songline of her clan, capturing the celestial bodies and their reflections in the rivers of Arnhem Land’s Yirritja moiety clans. Renowned for her pioneering role in Yolŋu art, Maymuru-White’s fluid compositions and uninhibited style mark her as an innovative figure within the Indigenous art community.
Marlene Gilson’s Reclamation of History: Drawing from her Wathaurung heritage, Marlene Gilson challenges colonial narratives and reclaims Indigenous histories through her powerful artworks. Her multi-figured paintings serve as a critique of dominant colonial representations, reshaping perceptions of her family’s ancestral territory in Victoria, Australia. Selected by Adriano Pedrosa for the Venice Biennale, Gilson sees this opportunity as a platform to share her Wadawurrung mob’s stories with a global audience, alongside fellow Indigenous artists Archie Moore and Naminapu Maymuru-White.
Cultural Exchange and Collaboration: Accompanied by her grandson, Ngalakan (Billy) Wanambi, Naminapu Maymuru-White will share her culture through a yidaki performance at the Biennale, inviting audiences into the rich tapestry of Yolŋu traditions. This collaboration underscores the importance of cultural exchange and dialogue in fostering understanding and appreciation for Indigenous art and heritage.
As Marlene Gilson and Naminapu Maymuru-White prepare to showcase their artistry on the global stage at La Biennale di Venezia, their inclusion serves as a testament to the richness and diversity of Indigenous Australian culture. Through their captivating narratives and innovative expressions, Gilson and Maymuru-White invite audiences to embark on a journey of discovery and reflection, celebrating Indigenous voices and stories at one of the world’s most renowned cultural events.
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Tony Clemenger
Chief Executive Officer
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