The Campbelltown Arts Centre is proud to present a solo exhibition by renowned Aboriginal photographer, Aunty Barbara McGrady. Titled ‘Barbara McGrady: Ngiyaningy Maran Yaliwaunga Ngaara-li (Our Ancestors Are Always Watching)’, the exhibition showcases a powerful collection of works spanning Aunty Barbara’s impressive five-decade career. Campbelltown Arts Centre Celebrates Powerful Photography of Aunty Barbara McGrady
A Life Dedicated to Storytelling
Aunty Barbara, a Gomeroi/Murri Yinnah woman born in 1950, has long been dedicated to sharing the stories of her people. “I always felt a need from a very young age to tell our stories; who we are as a people,” she explains. This passion is evident in her photography, writing, and spoken word.
Inspired by Black Icons
Aunty Barbara’s artistic journey began in her youth. Consuming magazines like Time and Life, she encountered the works of Black writers like James Baldwin and Langston Hughes. “I saw these great images of Black people in magazines, but I thought, ‘where’s our Black people?'” she recalls. This sparked a desire to document and celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of her own community.
Highlighting Changemakers
Aunty Barbara’s lens focuses not only on capturing individuals but also on amplifying the voices of those working towards positive change. “I want to put everyone and everything out there,” she says. “Anyone I think that is putting our story out there or is interesting is who I want to capture.”
A Central Masterpiece
The centerpiece of the exhibition is the large-scale film installation ‘Ngiyaningy Maran Yaliwaunga Ngaara-li (Our Ancestors Are Always Watching)’, 2020. This collaborative work with artist John Janson-Moore reflects Aunty Barbara’s artistic journey and has been recently acquired by the Campbelltown City Council Art Collection.
Challenging Stereotypes and Sharing Truth
Through her photography, Aunty Barbara hopes to challenge stereotypes and offer a glimpse into the vibrant reality of Aboriginal life. “I hope people take away that we aren’t stereotypes, that this is our country and we are thriving,” she says. She encourages young people to embrace their culture, stating, “What I tell young people is that if you love your culture, you will do this.”
Experience McGrady’s Powerful Vision
‘Barbara McGrady: Ngiyaningy Maran Yaliwaunga Ngaara-li (Our Ancestors Are Always Watching)’ is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in contemporary Aboriginal history and the power of storytelling through photography. The exhibition runs until October 13th at the Campbelltown Arts Centre. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Aunty Barbara McGrady’s captivating perspective.
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Source: https://nit.com.au/19-07-2024/12603/barbara-mcgradys-solo-exhibition-opens-in-campbelltown