Tracing the art of a Stolen Generation: the child artists of Carrolup
Exhibition launch
Exhibition launch: 7 July 2022
Exhibition display: 8 July - 26 September 2022
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An exhibition presented by Curtin University, with the Carrolup Elders Reference Group. Curated by Michelle Broun with Dr Helen Idle and Goreng Noongar Elder Mr Ezzard Flowers.
On 7 July The Portico Library is sharing the story of the First Nation children and families from Western Australia who have survived the impact of colonisation to find love, strength and resilience through the art of the child artists of Carrolup. Hundreds of artworks created by Aboriginal children at a Native Settlement in Western Australia were sold in the UK in the 1950s. This exhibition returns the artworks to the UK after 70 years to share the story of the artists and the healing journey of their descendants.
We aim to reconnect families with those sold artworks and strengthen our relationships with the UK through our shared histories. The exhibition includes artworks and explanatory panels that introduce the lives of the stolen children and the impacts of colonisation in the spirit of truth-telling and reconciliation. The Carrolup artworks are culturally significant for the Noongar people of Western Australia. The descendant families long to be reunited with their stolen children through their lost artworks.
You can also find out how you can become part of the healing journey of the descendants of the child artists through connection to the art which toured the UK in the 1950s. For more information on Tracing the art of a Stolen Generation: the child artists of Carrolup, please visit: The Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling.
Tracing the art of a Stolen Generation: the child artists of Carrolup is supported by Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Western Australia, Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom, British Council Australia, BHP, John Curtin Gallery and Curtin University.