Aboriginal art exhibit celebrates Reconciliation Week

Walk in the ancient footsteps of South Australia’s Aboriginal people this National Reconciliation Week by visiting SA Water’s exhibition about Aboriginal people’s culture, water and land.

The week-long display at SA Water House in Victoria Square, Adelaide is part of the corporation’s commitment to reconciliation under its Reconciliation Action Plan 2017-2020.

The exhibition features paintings by Aboriginal artists Elizabeth Close, Mel Agius, Sasha Hill and Sam Gollan, who each live and work in South Australia.

Puna carvings of shields, clapsticks and coolamons crafted from River Red gum by Aboriginal sculptor Patrick Ikaringanyi-Ferguson will also be on show.

SA Water’s Chief Executive Roch Cheroux said Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about Aboriginal culture and history.

“National Reconciliation Week gives us pause to reflect on our shared history and what we can do as individuals and as members of organisations, to contribute to reconciliation,” Roch said.

“Visual art is found in every culture around the world and is a vital component of storytelling.

“Art’s universality and innate connection to land and water make it a wonderful way to build bridges and spark much-needed cross-cultural conversations.

“Providing the right opportunities, support and encouragement for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and learning from them and their communities is crucial for our business.”

SA Water’s Coordinator of Aboriginal Affairs, Sarah Smith, said that reconciliation is about acknowledging and respecting all cultures, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.

“We can’t undo past mistakes, but we can move forward together, in the spirit of reconciliation,” Sarah said.

The display will officially open with a smoking ceremony on Monday 28 May and run throughout National Reconciliation Week until 3 June.

All artworks curated for the exhibition are available for order and purchase directly from the artists.

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