Sovereignty - Centre Stage

Art, dance, song, and ceremony serve as timeless conduits for transmitting cultural narratives and understandings of the cosmos for thousands of generations.

Despite enduring the impacts of colonisation, contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists persist in asserting their sovereignty through creative expression. Through mediums like ritual, ceremony, poetry, and art, they endeavour to communicate their stories to a broader audience, transcending mere auditory reception.

In light of setbacks like the Voice Referendum, the imperative to communicate through various sensory channels becomes increasingly evident. Portraits, as showcased in this exhibition, serve as powerful vehicles for exploring identity and values in a complex world. By spotlighting First Nations artists and storytellers, the Sovereignty - Centre Stage exhibition underscores the importance of amplifying their narratives and truths. Through this partnership between the Brisbane Portrait Prize and CIAF, Meeanjin's Indigenous voices claim their rightful place at the forefront, offering insight into their history, home, and identity.

Curated by Debbie Taylor Worley.