NAIDOC week: photography exhibitions kick-off week of celebrations of Indigenous women
An exhibition of striking portraits of trailblazing Indigenous women and the work of legendary photojournalist Aunty Barbara McGrady are just two of the photographic highlights from NAIDOC week, which runs until Sunday 15 July.
This year's NAIDOC Week theme, "Because of her, we can", looks to showcase the pivotal role Indigenous women have played in our lives, whether as leaders, trailblazers, politicians, activists or a friendly shoulder to lean on in times of need.
For photographer A.Professor Wayne Quilliam, developing an exhibition of Indigenous womens' stories was something very special.
"I was very conscious of philosophising a prescribed culturally gendered perspective," he says.
"To offer a prescriptive view I sought the counsel of numerous women with a resounding affirmation my role was to record, document and share their stories”.
His resulting exhibition, currently on display at Barangaroo Towers in Sydney, celebrates the achievements of Indigenous women and opens the door to understand the social structures that frame not only cultural laws and expectations but also the economy, social dynamics and family and community life.
Meanwhile in Redfern, the work of pioneering Aboriginal photographer Aunty Barbara McGrady will feature in her latest exhibition, Deadly Women of Redfern.
Speaking to ABC, O'Grady, Australia's first female Aboriginal photojournalist, says the exhibition focusses on women whose contributions have often been overlooked or are unseen by wider society.
"This exhibition focused solely on women of Redfern and women who have that deep-seated Redfern connection," she said.
"Redfern is something special because of its self-determination, the Block in the '70s — it's where it all happened.
For her lifelong career documenting Aboriginal issues, in 2014 O'Grady was awarded the Anthony Mundine Award for Courage, presented at NSW Parliament House as part of the National Indigenous Human Rights Awards.
Mali dharngurr Photographic exhibition by A.Professor Wayne Quilliam
Where: Barangaroo International Towers, Tower Three, until 18 August and can be viewed by the public during business hours
When: Monday, July 9, 2018 to Saturday, August 18, 2018 - 8:30am-4:30pm
Deadly Redfern Women Photo Exhibition
Where: National Centre for Indigenous Excellence in Redfern
When: 13-15 July, 10am-4pm
Other NAIDOC events: