Barbara McGrady has made a significant impact in the photography world, capturing Indigenous events, stories, and history for over 50 years. This talented Gomeroi/Gamilaraay woman began her journey with a camera given to her by her mother at just 15 years old.
Currently, McGrady’s extensive body of work is showcased in a major solo exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre, titled ‘Ngiyaningy Maran Yaliwaunga Ngaara-li’ (Our Ancestors Are Always Watching). “This exhibition, especially during NAIDOC Week, highlights our stories in a profound way because it encapsulates the essence of who we are as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” McGrady shared.
Growing up in Mungindi, on the NSW-Queensland border, McGrady quickly understood the power of photography. Her work draws inspiration from her deep connection to Country and community, emphasizing the beauty, strength, resilience, and excellence of First Nations people.
For McGrady, this year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,’ aligns perfectly with her lifelong approach. “Being Blak, loud and proud has always been my mantra,” she explained. “I’ve consistently used my work to share our stories and show who we are as the oldest continuous culture.”
A central feature of the exhibition is a large-scale film installation, created in collaboration with artist John Janson-Moore. Describing it as “a kaleidoscopic compendium of Aboriginal contemporary history,” McGrady delved into her extensive archive for this piece.
Among the countless moments she has captured over the years, several stand out to McGrady, including images of sporting events and portraits of notable Indigenous figures such as activist Gary Foley and actress Rosalie Kunoth-Monks. “One of my favorites is a photo of [Kunoth-Monks] because I remember watching her in the movie Jedda in the 1950s,” McGrady recalled. “As a child in my small hometown, I watched that movie in the local theater.”
‘Ngiyaningy Maran Yaliwaunga Ngaara-li’ (Our Ancestors Are Always Watching) will be on display at Campbelltown Arts Centre until October 13.
Source: https://nit.com.au/15-07-2024/12534/indigenous-stories-and-history-caught-on-camera
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